The WGS team has successfully completed a major crane lift at Boots UK’s Sedley Place project in the heart of Oxford Street.
The overnight operation formed part of the rooftop plant replacement works and involved removing existing equipment before lifting new plant units onto the rooftop plant deck. Taking place on one of London’s busiest streets, the operation required extensive coordination with Transport for London (TfL), traffic management teams and other key stakeholders.
The lift had originally been scheduled earlier this year, but severe weather conditions, including thunder and lightning, forced the operation to be postponed at the last minute despite the crane being on site and the team ready to proceed. Following further planning and preparation, the lift was successfully rescheduled and completed overnight.
Carrying out the works outside normal business hours helped minimise disruption to traffic, pedestrians and local businesses. Road and footpath closures, together with a temporary pedestrian walkway, were implemented to ensure the operation could be carried out safely and efficiently.
The final unit was lifted into position during the early hours of the morning, after which the road and footpath were reopened and the area returned to normal use.
WGS Associate Director Howard King said: “Carrying out this crane lift on Oxford Street has been no mean feat. It’s taken months to get here, and I’m proud of the team for delivering a faultless operation last night.”
This successful lift marks another important milestone in the wider Sedley Place project and is a testament to the hard work, professionalism and collaboration of everyone involved.
