News and Views from Bennetts

Press releases | 08 November 2019

Jost luffer on site in Bristol for construction of over 90 student apartments

A 19th century Bristol building and former cinema is being transformed into a new complex of modern student apartments.

Bennetts Cranes has erected a Jost JTL 108.6 luffing jib tower crane on site, and is working with Bath Demolition on the removal of part of the building, and construction of a new building on the site.

This delicate restoration and new build project on Baldwin Street will result in 92 studio apartments for students and ground floor retail space.

The Jost crane is standing at 24m tall with a 30m jib, operating in 4 fall, lifting up to 6 tonnes at 21.4m. It was erected at the end of May and expected to be on site for around 45 weeks.

Managing director of Bennetts Cranes, Edward Seager, commented: “We are pleased to be working with Bath Demolition on this interesting city centre project.”

“This is a unique project, where the architects want to retain some of the facade of the original building while constructing a new building on the rest of the site. Our Jost luffer can be parked at a very steep angle when it’s not in use, which is a useful attribute in urban areas because it avoids oversailing nearby properties.”

The property, which was originally built as a theatre in 1892 called the People’s Palace, was turned into a cinema in 1912. The cinema ceased operation in 1980 and the building was converted to a nightclub, and later a sports café prior to its closure in 2007.

This project will bring new life to the previously derelict site, and provide valuable accommodation for students at the University of Bristol.

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