UK-based family-owned mobile crane company John Sutch Cranes has completed a lifting operation for BAM at the Victoria Building on Blackburn College’s campus.
The project involved the removal of scaffolded temporary roof support trusses and spine beams from the Grade II listed building, following restoration work on the roof.
The scheme required the use of a 300t crane equipped with a main boom measuring over 100m.
This operation took place while the college remained active, necessitating careful coordination between John Sutch Cranes, BAM, and Allied Scaffolding to manage safety and minimise disruption.
According to the companies, the lifting process was planned in detail and executed according to schedule.
John Sutch Cranes sales director Paul Parry said: “Being selected by BAM for a project of this nature is exactly the kind of instruction we want more of. Tier 1 contractors work to the highest standards and they need a crane partner who matches that.
“We planned this lift meticulously, executed it safely and delivered exactly what BAM needed. That’s what we’re here for and it’s what we’ll keep doing.”
The Victoria Building is a heritage property on the Blackburn College campus.
The removal of the temporary supports has revealed the restored roof for the first time since the renovation began.
John Sutch Cranes provides crane hire and lifting services for construction projects across the UK.
The company stated that it has experience working on schemes involving complex and technically demanding lifts, including those for Tier 1 contractors.
BAM is a major UK construction contractor and was responsible for managing the restoration and related works at the Victoria Building.
In July 2025, John Sutch expanded its fleet with a Sany SAC600E all-terrain crane, which has a 60t lifting capacity.
