Built in 2008, the 34-storey building is undergoing a major refresh to create modern workspaces designed to support users wellbeing and reduce the building’s environmental impact.

A key component of the improvement is the installation of air-source heat pumps on the roof at level 35, about 150 metres above street level. The use of a crane, mobile or otherwise was extremely challenging. Primrose Street in front of the building is the only remotely viable crane location, but it is a narrow, busy street with tall buildings on all sides.

There is the added complication of having Liverpool Street station beneath the ground here, which severely restricts allowable crane outrigger loads. So BAM called Helirig to propose a helicopter solution.

A Super Puma helicopter was deployed, flying with an 80 metre line, in order for the helicopter itself to remain above the rooftops of the neighbouring buildings.

There were 8 loads of approximately 3 tonnes lifted from Primrose Street to the roof, under a 1 hour road closure. All lifting was completed in less than 30 minutes and the street was immediately re-opened to traffic, causing minimal disruption on the ground.