One crane is no longer enough for Coventry’s transformative Friargate development, as the construction of the first building at the £100 million scheme continues apace.
A second tower crane, known as TC2, has been shipped in from France to help the existing tower crane – TC1 – add enormous, pre-cast eight tonne concrete cladding panels onto the steel frame of the building.
At 70 metres tall, the dark green TC2 falls slightly short of its 90 metre high counterpart – which, at eight metres taller than Coventry Cathedral, is said to be tallest structure in the city, but contractor Bowmer and Kirkland still needed permission from Air Traffic Control to use the giant new piece of equipment.
With 300 panels to add, the crane duo is expected to spend three months adding the cladding from the bottom of the structure upwards. Construction of the building – a striking 13 storey, grade A office block designed by internationally renowned architects Allies & Morrison – is on target for completion next year – ready for occupation by a large portion of Coventry City Council’s office-based staff.
Stephen Reynolds, from developers Friargate Coventry LLP, said: “The arrival of a second huge crane at the Friargate scheme is yet another visual symbol of the pace of development at Friargate – and the installation of the cladding will really help bring the new building to life for passers-by.
“The Friargate scheme is really starting to make its mark on Coventry. The Station Square boulevard – which opened just eight weeks ago – is now used by thousands of people every day on their way to and from the train station.”
The Friargate development spans 37 acres between Coventry railway station and the city centre. It will transform the city with over 3 million sq ft of new space including Grade A offices, hotels, shops and new homes.
