A Jaso J160.10 saddle jib tower crane, which has been working on Norwich Castle, in the UK, for the last four years was finally dismantled by Morgan Sindall Construction on 25th and 26th November. It was being used as part of The Royal Palace Reborn project.
Since it was erected in September 2020, the 41.5m (136ft) crane has transported all the materials needed for the project from the contractors’ compound in Castle Gardens onto the mound while also removing deconstructed material.
The project will recreate the Norman layout of the Keep, enabling visitors to experience Norwich Castle as it was in its medieval heyday.
Over its four years in operation the tower crane has played a key role in the project. With a seven-tonne weight limit in force on the Castle bridge, it has been the only way of transporting the materials required for the project onto the mound which, as a scheduled ancient monument, needs to be protected.
“Without the tower crane there would be no Royal Palace Reborn project – it’s been central to the complex construction work which will ultimately enable us to recreate the palace of the Norman kings,” says Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities, Norfolk County Council. “While those of us who live and work in the city centre have grown used to its impressive presence, it will undoubtedly be nice to have an uninterrupted view of the Castle once more while we look forward to the amazing transformation which it has enabled.
