Ainscough Supports Complex City-Centre Lifting Operation at Deansgate Hotel Development

30 Second Takeaway

Ainscough Crane Hire has successfully completed a complex city-centre lifting operation at a 24-storey hotel development on Deansgate, Manchester, supporting Lifting Management Group Ltd. Using a Liebherr LTM 1450-8.1 and LTM 1055-3.1, the team safely lifted heavy plant room sections and condensers to rooftop level within a tightly managed road closure completing the project three hours ahead of schedule.

Major Lift in the Heart of Manchester

Ainscough Crane Hire recently supported its client Lifting Management Group Ltd on a demanding lifting operation in Manchester city centre, linked to the construction of a new 24-storey hotel on Deansgate.

The scope of work involved lifting:

• Four plant room sections, each weighing three tonnes

• Eight condenser units, each weighing 0.5 tonnes

All components were hoisted from transport vehicles at ground level to the hotel rooftop, requiring a full road closure and precise execution in one of Manchester’s busiest districts.

Crane Configuration and Lifting Strategy

To deliver the full contract lift, Ainscough deployed a Liebherr LTM 1450-8.1 mobile crane, configured with:

• 74 tonnes of ballast

• 68.9-metre main boom

• 35-metre luffing jib fly

A Liebherr LTM 1055-3.1, fitted with 12 tonnes of ballast, supported rigging operations throughout the project.

The lifts reached a maximum radius of 42 metres, with two adjustable spreader beams used to safely handle the plant room sections via their designated lifting points.

Four Months of Planning for a High-Risk Urban Environment

The operation required four months of detailed planning to coordinate:

• Road closures

• Safety controls

• Approvals from Manchester City Council and Metrolink

Additional challenges included:

• Working within one of Manchester’s busiest pedestrian and traffic zones

• Managing access near the Hilton Hotel

• Accommodating cycle lanes

• Scheduling around major city events, including Manchester Pride weekend and Oasis concerts

These challenges were successfully addressed through proactive liaison, careful scheduling, and the use of traffic marshals provided by Lifting Management Group Ltd.

Safe, Efficient Delivery Ahead of Schedule

Despite the complexity of the environment and the works taking place over a busy weekend, the entire operation including crane rigging, lifting, and de-rigging was completed:

• Safely

• Without incident

• Three hours ahead of schedule

This ensured the road was reopened well before the agreed deadline, minimising disruption to the surrounding area.

Project Team Collaboration

The lifting operation was:

• Commissioned by: Assured CMS

• Managed by: Lifting Management Group Ltd

• Installation completed by: LC Insulations

Strong collaboration between all parties was critical to the project’s success.

Industry Perspectives

Emma Rigby, Area Sales Manager at Ainscough, said:

“This project showcased the very best of collaborative planning and safe execution. Operating in such a busy part of Manchester required precision, coordination, and attention to detail, and our team delivered every step of the way. We’re proud to have supported Lifting Management Group in helping bring this landmark development closer to completion.”

Craig Speakes, Director at Lifting Management Group Ltd, added:

“This was a highly complex job in the heart of Manchester, but through close collaboration with Ainscough, the council, and Metrolink, the works were delivered flawlessly. The Ainscough team provided a professional, safe and efficient service throughout.”

About Ainscough Crane Hire

Ainscough Crane Hire is the UK’s largest crane rental company, operating a fleet of more than 400 cranes from 30 locations nationwide. The company provides lifting solutions for construction, infrastructure, industrial, and city-centre projects, with a strong focus on safety, engineering expertise, and collaborative delivery.

🔗 Website: https://www.ainscough.co.uk

About Lifting Management Group Ltd

Lifting Management Group Ltd is a specialist provider of lifting consultancy, project planning, and temporary works coordination, supporting complex lifting operations across the UK. The company is known for its expertise in urban environments, risk management, and multi-stakeholder coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was lifted during the Deansgate operation?

Four three-tonne plant room sections and eight 0.5-tonne condenser units were lifted to the rooftop of the hotel.

Which cranes were used?

A Liebherr LTM 1450-8.1 carried out the main lifts, supported by a Liebherr LTM 1055-3.1 for rigging operations.

How long did the planning phase take?

The operation required four months of planning to coordinate approvals, safety measures, and road closures.

Who oversaw the lifting works?

The works were overseen by Lifting Management Group Ltd, commissioned by Assured CMS.

Was the project completed on time?

Yes. The operation was completed three hours ahead of schedule and without incident.