Tower crane removal marks major milestone at Norman Shaw North
Our construction business is playing a leading role in delivering some of the most complex restoration and refurbishment projects across the Parliamentary Estate.
Alongside this work, we have generated more than £120m in social value over the last 10 years on the Estate, creating lasting benefits for local communities through employment, skills, education and community initiatives
.One of the latest milestones has been reached at Norman Shaw North, where we have successfully removed the project’s tower crane following the completion of many of the scheme’s largest construction activities.
Working closely with the parliamentary team and specialist partners, we are delivering the major refurbishment of Norman Shaw North, a Grade I listed building that forms an important part of the Parliamentary Estate. The project is restoring and modernising the historic building while protecting its heritage for future generations.
The crane’s removal marks a significant step forward as the project moves into its final stages.
Restoring a historic landmark
Since being installed in March 2022, the tower crane has played a central role in the refurbishment, supporting major structural works, chimney restoration, roof replacement and the installation of a new atrium roof.
One of the most significant elements of the programme has been the replacement of the building’s original heritage slate roof. The existing roof had reached the end of its serviceable life and was no longer providing the level of protection needed for the historic building fabric.
The crane made this work possible, enabling the safe lifting and installation of more than 103 tonnes of heritage slate, alongside the movement of other key materials and equipment required throughout the programme.
The crane was removed as part of the project’s agreed planning requirements, which stipulated that it must be taken offsite rather than remain in place for potential future works.
Safety first
Safety underpins every project we deliver across the Parliamentary Estate.
Our portfolio includes major works at Victoria Tower, where we’re making the building safe through the replacement of deteriorating masonry.
That same safety-first approach was central to the tower crane removal at Norman Shaw North. Operating within one of the UK’s most sensitive and high-profile environments required meticulous planning and rigorous controls at every stage. The priority throughout was to protect the workforce, building users, neighbouring stakeholders and the public, while minimising disruption to parliamentary operations.
Delivering a complex logistical operation
Removing the 45m-high crane involved a carefully orchestrated operation delivered within a tight weather window.
Teams worked around the clock on split shifts from Thursday through to Sunday, ensuring the area could be safely handed back ahead of Monday. Practice runs began at 6am on Friday, with the main lifting operation starting at 8am and concluding by 11am, ahead of forecast strengthening winds.
A 1,000-tonne mobile crane carried out the principal lifts, supported by two smaller cranes. The sequence began with the removal of the tower crane’s counterweights before the jib was carefully lifted over nearby Grade I and Grade II listed buildings. Parliament Street was temporarily closed to allow the operation to be completed safely.
The works required close coordination between the parliamentary team, Westminster City Council, the Metropolitan Police, parliamentary security teams and other key stakeholders. Our specialist lifting contractor Trident supported the operation, alongside Baldwins Crane Hire, and Alandale Logisitcs – with engineering expertise provided by Wates’ Technical Excellence Centre.
Before the first lift, our detailed Start Right briefing ensured everyone involved understood the lifting sequence, key risks, individual responsibilities, programme timings and security requirements, helping maintain clear communication throughout the weekend.
The removal of the tower crane is a highly visible sign of progress and demonstrates the scale and complexity of the work being delivered by our construction business across the Parliamentary Estate.
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Delivering an operation of this scale on the Parliamentary Estate takes absolute focus on safety, logistics and collaboration. I’m extremely proud of our team and grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.”
George Mosey
Managing Director, London Construction
The successful removal of the tower crane is a major milestone for Norman Shaw North and a testament to the teamwork behind this project. I’m particularly grateful to Andy Stocks and Richard Weaver, who led the operation alongside our partners over the weekend, ensuring it was delivered safely, efficiently and to plan.”
Rob Setchell
Operations Director at Norman Shaw North
