One of Europe’s biggest cranes dominates Wolverhampton’s skyline
Marking a major milestone in the new Victoria Hall student village, one of the heaviest lifting tower cranes in Europe has been erected in Wolverhampton. Standing 93 metres (nearly 300 ft) tall, the crane is capable of lifting 40 tonnes of weight.
The £37 million scheme will include a landmark 25-storey tower – one of the tallest buildings in the West Midlands – and construction has been progressing at a rapid rate. For speed and ease of assembly, each of the 750 accommodation units is being built off site.
The crane is needed to lift the accommodation pods, which weigh up to 32 tonnes each, into position. Previously used on Heathrow’s Terminal 5, the crane has been especially adapted for the Wolverhampton project with six new mast sections made in Italy. Delivered to the site on 24 lorries, the crane took five days to assemble.
Bob Crompton, chief executive of Victoria Hall Ltd, said: “Victoria Hall see Wolverhampton as a university city which attracts students from all over the world. This facility will provide high quality accommodation for students staying in the city, which can only enhance the reputation of Wolverhampton as a centre of academic excellence. Students provide life and vitality by increasing the diversity of city centre dwellers. They tend to utilise local facilities and businesses and can bring an economic boost to city centres and regeneration areas.”
Stephen Catchpole, chief executive of Wolverhampton Development Company, added: “It’s fantastic to see the crane in position and changing the skyline of Wolverhampton. It represents real progress as Victoria Hall scheme is a positive step in the city’s transformation.”
Steve Boyes, Director of Sustainable Communities, Wolverhampton City Council, said: “We’re pleased to see the scheme is on track. It is another example of the pace and regeneration of the city.”
Images courtesy of the Express and Star