Maintaining historic buildings presents a unique set of challenges. Every project demands careful planning, specialist equipment and experienced personnel, ensuring essential maintenance can be carried out safely while protecting structures that have stood for generations.
When essential maintenance works were required at Alton Castle, a carefully coordinated lifting operation was developed to provide engineers with safe access to areas of the castle requiring attention. From the earliest stages of planning, every aspect of the project was considered to ensure work could progress safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to the historic site.
Working alongside our wider lifting team, Elevas played an important role in supporting the operation through the mobilisation of the specialist equipment required before work could begin. Prior to the lifting programme commencing, our Three-axle Semi Low-loader delivered the essential project equipment to site, including a specialist man basket, goods cage and crane outrigger mats, ensuring everything was prepared and positioned ahead of schedule.
With the site fully prepared, the lifting operation commenced using a Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2 alongside a Grove GMK4080, allowing two separate lifting operations to be undertaken simultaneously. The Liebherr was configured with 22.5tonnes of ballast, operating with approximately 55.6metres of main boom at a working radius of 38 metres. Supporting a specialist man basket, the crane provided engineers with safe access to areas approximately 20m metres above ground level to complete the required maintenance works. Working alongside it, the Grove GMK4080 was configured with 19.3 tonnes of ballast and 51metres of boom, operating at a maximum working radius of approximately 38 metres. The crane supported a dedicated goods cage, allowing tools, materials and removed debris to be transferred safely between ground level and the working area throughout the programme.
While the lifting operation was the most visible aspect of the project, its success depended on everything that happened beforehand. The careful mobilisation of specialist equipment, site preparation and coordination between every stage of the programme ensured the operation progressed smoothly from start to finish, allowing engineers to complete the maintenance works safely and efficiently.
Projects of this nature highlight the importance of bringing together every element of an operation. From planning and logistics through to specialist lifting support, every stage must work in harmony to deliver a successful outcome. At Elevas, this coordinated approach sits at the heart of everything we do, helping customers simplify complex projects through dependable planning, experienced personnel and integrated project support.
The maintenance programme at Alton Castle was completed safely within the planned schedule, providing another example of how effective preparation and close collaboration contribute to successful project delivery. Working on one of Staffordshire’s most recognisable historic landmarks was a privilege for the team and a project we’re proud to have supported.
