Menu
07/08/2008
Samson Shadowed By Belfast's Tallest Crane
Belfast has been 'put in the shade' by the largest crane to ever be erected in the city.
Towering above the city centre skyline, the 106-metre structure was installed last week, to help construct the capital's tallest building.
Raising the massive crane took almost three day to complete.
Work on The Obel building, (artist's impression, pictured) on the banks of the River Lagan, is well underway.
Karl Properties Ltd is the firm behind the scheme. Developer Aran Blackbourne said: "You can see it from everywhere.
"It's the tallest building in Belfast so it's going to have to be the tallest crane."
It will take another 24 months for the entire 28-storey scheme to be completed.
The building will include 282 apartments, penthouses and studios, offering a breathtaking view across the city.
Contractors O'Hare and McGovern said the huge crane had been commissioned from an English firm especially for this project.
The only other Belfast structure offering a similarly dizzying height is Harland & Wolff's iconic Samson shipyard crane.
O'Hare and McGovern Construction Manager Martin Lennon said: "The guys on the site said they had a sore neck looking up at it - you have to stand away to see it."
Although the crane can be operated remotely there is a fear-inducing climb for operatives when physical manpower is required.
The rise of the crane marks the completion of work on the foundations of the building, including a two-basement car park.
"We're starting the superstructure from the ground up and the erection of the crane was the commencement of that," added Mr Lennon.
(PR/JM)
Towering above the city centre skyline, the 106-metre structure was installed last week, to help construct the capital's tallest building.
Raising the massive crane took almost three day to complete.
Work on The Obel building, (artist's impression, pictured) on the banks of the River Lagan, is well underway.
Karl Properties Ltd is the firm behind the scheme. Developer Aran Blackbourne said: "You can see it from everywhere.
"It's the tallest building in Belfast so it's going to have to be the tallest crane."
It will take another 24 months for the entire 28-storey scheme to be completed.
The building will include 282 apartments, penthouses and studios, offering a breathtaking view across the city.
Contractors O'Hare and McGovern said the huge crane had been commissioned from an English firm especially for this project.
The only other Belfast structure offering a similarly dizzying height is Harland & Wolff's iconic Samson shipyard crane.
O'Hare and McGovern Construction Manager Martin Lennon said: "The guys on the site said they had a sore neck looking up at it - you have to stand away to see it."
Although the crane can be operated remotely there is a fear-inducing climb for operatives when physical manpower is required.
The rise of the crane marks the completion of work on the foundations of the building, including a two-basement car park.
"We're starting the superstructure from the ground up and the erection of the crane was the commencement of that," added Mr Lennon.
(PR/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 February 2023
Student Accommodation Dominated Belfast Construction In 2022
New university buildings and student accommodation were the key drivers of construction activity in Belfast in 2022, according to the latest Regional Crane Survey from Deloitte's.
Student Accommodation Dominated Belfast Construction In 2022
New university buildings and student accommodation were the key drivers of construction activity in Belfast in 2022, according to the latest Regional Crane Survey from Deloitte's.
19 January 2007
Plan to build Ireland's tallest building in Belfast
Architects in Northern Ireland are planning to create a construction in Belfast city centre in a bid to gain the title of the tallest building in Ireland – rivalling U2's bid.
Plan to build Ireland's tallest building in Belfast
Architects in Northern Ireland are planning to create a construction in Belfast city centre in a bid to gain the title of the tallest building in Ireland – rivalling U2's bid.
05 October 2011
Aurora Site Petrol Pumps To Return
A site once set aside for Belfast's tallest building could now be used once again for a filling station. The site bought at the height of the property boom was planned for the 'Aurora' skyscraper - if the development had of went ahead it would have become the tallest building in Belfast.
Aurora Site Petrol Pumps To Return
A site once set aside for Belfast's tallest building could now be used once again for a filling station. The site bought at the height of the property boom was planned for the 'Aurora' skyscraper - if the development had of went ahead it would have become the tallest building in Belfast.
09 June 2010
Obel Crane To Be Dismantled
A towering crane that has been a part of the Belfast skyline for almost two years at the side of the Lagan at the Obel Tower site is to be dismantled. The crane was raised at the end of July 2008 and came into operation on 1 August as construction on the superstructure began.
Obel Crane To Be Dismantled
A towering crane that has been a part of the Belfast skyline for almost two years at the side of the Lagan at the Obel Tower site is to be dismantled. The crane was raised at the end of July 2008 and came into operation on 1 August as construction on the superstructure began.
19 July 2012
Take A Leap Of Faith Off Tallest Building
CITYBEAT'S Linzi Corr is calling all those with a head for heights to join her in a charity abseil down Ireland’s tallest building. The Obel abseil will take place on September 1 in aid of Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children and Linzi wants both thrill-seekers and those who wish to conquer their fear of heights to sign up.
Take A Leap Of Faith Off Tallest Building
CITYBEAT'S Linzi Corr is calling all those with a head for heights to join her in a charity abseil down Ireland’s tallest building. The Obel abseil will take place on September 1 in aid of Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children and Linzi wants both thrill-seekers and those who wish to conquer their fear of heights to sign up.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Largely dry with clear spells at first, a few showers in the north and west. Becoming cloudier with rain spreading east through the early hours. Becoming windy, westerly gales developing along the north coast. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
