Giant crane is taking the strain at bus station redevelopment
Published: 16 October 2019
A huge crane is making light work of the rapidly emerging new leisure centre at the bus station site.
The Wolff 7534 crane is thought to be one the largest ever used in Exeter.
The radius of the crane is the same as three double decker busses parked end to end, and it sits on a concrete base deeper than a three storey building.
The crane is capable of lifting four fully grown African elephants at the same time and is the first of its kind in the UK.
To construct the St Sidwell’s Point super energy efficient leisure complex, the crane was erected with a 36 metre high tower. The jib was extended to 50m.
It has been fitted with floodlights and aircraft warning lights. The crane has a hook mounted camera recording live images and sound.
The crane provides striking images of the work on the ground.
St Sidwell’s Point will open early in 2021, together with a brand new bus station being built alongside it.
The water quality is expected to be better than at any other swimming pool in the country. A special filtration system will mean there will be minimal chemical content.
Built to the ultra high quality Passivhaus standard, St Sidwell’s Point will be one the world’s most energy efficient leisure centres.
It will include:
- A main swimming pool and learners pool with moveable floors
- A confidence pool
- A 100 seat spectator seated area
- A café to seat 50
- A fitness gym and two fitness studios
- A health suite and spa facility
- A children’s soft play area
The new Exeter Bus Station will include covered waiting and boarding areas and high quality facilities, and will replace the current station opened in 1964.
Both developments are being funded by the City Council.