Bennetts Cranes recently supported RED Construction on the redevelopment of two eight-storey office buildings at 40 The Broadway in Westminster, London. The project required a crane solution suited to a tightly constrained city-centre site.
From the outset, identifying a workable crane solution was critical to keeping the project on track.
A tight city-centre site
The site presented a number of technical challenges. Oversailing restrictions applied, on-site power availability was limited, and the crane needed to be positioned on top of the lift overrun without introducing additional temporary works. At the same time, the crane had to provide sufficient reach and lifting capacity to support the build.
These combined requirements significantly narrowed the available options and meant that careful assessment and early technical input were essential.
Selecting the right crane
Following a detailed review of the site constraints, Bennetts worked closely with Potain UK to identify the most appropriate solution.
The MR 309 was chosen because it met the specific requirements of the site. These included a short out-of-service radius to remain within the site boundaries. It also provided the lifting capacity required at the operating radius dictated by the site layout. Low base loadings enabled the crane to be installed in the specific position required, while adjustable power demand suited the site conditions. Zoning technology was incorporated as part of the crane installation to manage oversailing and collision risk.
Project delivery
Bennetts supported the project throughout the crane’s time on site in coordination with Potain UK and working closely with the RED Construction team during the works to manage technical and logistical challenges as they arose.
The crane remained in operation for the duration of the works and was successfully dismantled in line with the programme, supporting timely practical completion.
Reflecting on the project and working with Bennetts, Jack Norkett, Senior Project Manager at RED Construction, said:
“How we made the crane work on top of the lift overrun was a make or break for the project. Bennetts was the only company who was able to find a solution which had the right power requirements, minimal free radius, maximum reach at the weight needed, and the ability to sit on top of the lift overrun with no additional temporary works.
“All the way through the project, Abi, Sue, Stewart, and Doug have been proactive and helpful. This continued through to the end of the project and enabled the crane to be dismantled just in time for practical completion.”
This project highlights the importance of early technical assessment and close coordination between the contractor, crane supplier, and manufacturer. At 40 The Broadway, this approach supported delivery to programme on a tightly constrained urban site.
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