Chiller Lift at Kensington Roof Gardens
Chiller Lift at Kensington Roof Gardens
Tackling the Challenges of a High-Stakes Urban Lift
In the bustling heart of Kensington, our team took on a precision-driven project at the iconic Kensington Roof Gardens. The mission? To remove two ageing 5-ton chillers and replace them with brand-new units—at a staggering radius of 56 metres. With tight timelines, complex logistics, and strict regulatory requirements, this was a challenge that demanded seamless coordination and expert execution.
Closing Kensington High Street: A Carefully Orchestrated Plan
Executing a lift in one of London’s busiest areas required meticulous planning. A full road closure of Kensington High Street was essential, meaning we had to develop a large-scale traffic and bus diversion strategy. Working in close collaboration with Kensington Council, we ensured that disruption was minimised, safety was prioritised, and the closure was executed with precision.
Navigating Underground Infrastructure
Adding to the complexity, our crane had to be positioned near Kensington Tube Station—directly above active underground train lines. The structural integrity of the area was paramount, requiring our engineering team to precisely calculate crane positioning to avoid any risk to the infrastructure below. Every step was double-checked and approved to ensure a flawless operation.
Lifting Near Train Lines: Timing Was Everything
The lift site’s proximity to exposed railway lines posed another challenge. To mitigate risks, we collaborated with Transport for London (TfL) to schedule the lift during a small service downtime window—between 1:30 a.m. and 6:20 a.m. With no room for delays, our team had to execute the entire operation within these tight constraints.
Rigging and Executing the Lift
With council approval, road closures were set up from 10 p.m., allowing our team to begin rigging City Lifting’s 450-ton crane, equipped with a 45-metre luffing fly jib. This complex setup took 3–4 hours, leaving only a short window to complete the lift.
Once fully rigged, the operation began. Working in perfect coordination, our crane operator and banksman/slingers:
- Carefully lifted the old chillers from the rooftop and secured them onto transport for disposal.
- Precisely hoisted the new chillers into position, ensuring exact alignment with the client’s specifications.
Despite the tight schedule, the lift was completed flawlessly—demonstrating the team’s skill, precision, and ability to deliver under pressure.
Efficient Derigging and a Smooth Transition Back to Normal
As soon as the new chillers were in place, our team worked through the early morning hours to swiftly and safely derig the crane. The moment the job was complete, road closure barriers and diversion signs were removed, ensuring Kensington High Street was fully reopened in time for the morning commute. Thanks to meticulous planning, the entire process was seamless, minimising disruption for local residents and businesses.
A Showcase of Expertise in Urban Lifting
The Kensington Roof Gardens project exemplifies our ability to tackle complex lifting operations in challenging environments. By working closely with Kensington Council, TfL, and other stakeholders, we successfully navigated logistical, structural, and time-sensitive challenges to deliver an outstanding result.
From strategic planning to flawless execution, this project reinforced our reputation as industry leaders in high-precision, urban lifting solutions. When the stakes are high, we don’t just meet expectations—we exceed them.
