Project Update

Main Core and Spire

Spire steelwork now complete.

Shard Construction

Works continue to progress to the top, with steelwork now complete to level 87 and cladding closing in behind up to level 67. The project remains on target to be “Practically Complete” by end of May 2012. Meanwhile works began in January on the fit out of the Shangri La Hotel, which takes up the middle floors of the building (Levels 34 to 52) and also the first of the residential apartments up at levels 60 and 61.

Spider crane

January saw the successful installation of the largest and now highest spider crane in Europe being placed on level 87 of The Shard, 283 metres off the ground. The spider crane (UNIC URW-706) will assist in the installation of the façade panels and will enhance the efficiency of the facade progression. 
The ‘maxi’ mini-crane is capable of handling loads of 0.45 tonnes to a radius of 14 metres and a height of 7.2 metres above the crane. It will be controlled by a remote fully functional radio control system, where the driver will be in constant radio contact with the installation teams, allowing precise placement of the panels. 
The supplier of the spider crane believes that this is the highest spider crane placement in the World to date!

St Thomas Street, Footbridge and s106 improvements

Please see separate listing for works to improve St Thomas Street.