WILL Rudd Edinburgh has marked an early milestone in the redevelopment of a block in Edinburgh’s city centre, having completed ‘complex’ foundation works to enable installation of a tower crane.
The crane – erected as part of RIGH Properties’ new apart‑hotel development between Princes Street and Hanover Street – sits within what has been described as one of the tightest construction footprints in the city centre.
The installation represents a significant achievement and marks the beginning of the main construction phase.
Working with contractor Thomas Johnstone Ltd, PMQS Axiom PSL, architect Fletcher Joseph Associates, and services engineer Rybka, Will Rudd is providing both permanent and temporary works design services for the transformation of three under‑utilised buildings into a bespoke 60‑room apartment‑style destination.
The firm explained that the crane installation demanded ‘exceptional’ engineering precision and extensive logistical planning. Positioned at the heart of the site and surrounded by existing buildings, the crane could only be erected following significant preparatory works, including partial demolitions, logistically challenging piling/substructure, and the full closure of Hanover Street to traffic with partial closure to pedestrians.
Will Rudd Edinburgh designed the crane foundations, ensuring the structure could be safely installed.
Director Chris Milne said, “This project is a perfect example of the kind of engineering challenge our team thrives on. Installing a tower crane in such a restricted location demands a truly bespoke approach, from detailed modelling and foundation design to close coordination with the wider project team. Seeing the crane now in place is a significant achievement and an exciting moment for everyone involved.”
The apart‑hotel development, with design lead by Fletcher Joseph Associates, will sensitively repurpose the existing buildings while introducing new elements that blend with the historic fabric of the area.
