Following successful partnerships with BECT at developments in Reading and Cardiff, Bennetts was asked to supply a tower crane for one of the company’s latest projects – a new college and boarding building for Cardiff Sixth Form College in Cardiff Bay.
The new campus will feature state-of-the-art educational facilities within two Grade II listed buildings, offering spacious teaching areas designed for interactive learning, modern lecture theatres, a large exam hall, and a brand-new canteen.
Housed in The Merchant Place and The Cory Building, two of Cardiff’s most historical landmarks, this development is dedicated to preserving the buildings’ heritage while creating a fresh new space for students.
In addition, a new multi-storey building will be constructed in the rear courtyard, featuring a rooftop auditorium that will offer panoramic views of Cardiff Bay. The campus will accommodate 500 students and is expected to open in Autumn 2026.
To meet the lifting requirements and ensure efficiency on site, Bennetts recommended the Raimondi LRH 174. The crane was installed with a 45m jib, capable of lifting 2.95 tonnes at 45m and reaching a maximum capacity of 10 tonnes at 17.5m. This lifting power makes it ideal for handling the reinforced concrete frames required for the build.
The crane itself was erected using a 150-tonne mobile crane, with enough space on site to assemble and lift the front jib in one piece before pinning it into position.
The Raimondi LRH 174 is expected to remain on site for 59 weeks.
The key benefits of a Raimondi LRH 174 for urban sites are:
- 10m out of service radius – to avoid over sailing surrounding properties
- Maximum 50m jib – 2.25t capacity at max radius
- fast 37kW hoist motor – to help meet site deadlines
This crane also features a jib alternating red and white sections, in line with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recommendations to improve visibility and safety.
Do you need heavy lifting for your next project in Cardiff?
Bennetts Cranes has an extensive fleet of luffing jibs, saddle jibs, and remotely-controlled cranes. Our team of experts can help find the right lifting solution for builds of all heights, from low-rise developments to the most complex projects.
Contact us today to discuss what you need for your next site – www.tower-crane.co.uk/contact-us/

