Winvic Construction, one of the top contractors in the UK, has successfully concluded a 12-week trial of Skyline Cockpit and declared it a resounding success.
The trial took place at Crown Place Birmingham, a city-centre Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project. Its success means that Winvic will continue to use the remote operation technology for the remainder of the project. Handover of the scheme to the client, Crown Student Living, is scheduled for December 2025.
Crown Place Birmingham, with 814 student beds, is Winvic’s tallest project to date and will reach nine, 12, and 33 storeys upon completion. A 14-tonne capacity Potain MR225 crane is being utilised for several work packages, including the construction of the hybrid precast and in-situ concrete frame, the installation of the unitised curtain wall façade, and the vertical distribution of internal fit-out materials, such as prefabricated bathroom pods.
Currently, the crane stands at 77 metres, but it will be climbed to a maximum height of 102 metres as construction progresses. You can track the project’s progress via Winvic Live.
The benefit of Skyline Cockpit on compact, high-rise projects like Crown Place Birmingham is improved all-round visibility. The cameras eliminate blind spots and restricted views caused by the building and the close proximity of the lifts to the crane’s mast. The system also offers up to 40% zoom resolution, allowing operators to see areas typically out of their line of sight. While safety and efficiency are the most obvious benefits, the physical working conditions for the operator are also much improved. The cabin includes kitchenette and welfare facilities, making the operator’s environment more comfortable. It’s expected that this digital technology will inspire the next generation to view tower crane operation as a cutting-edge, technological profession.
Mark Jones, Winvic’s Managing Director of Multi-room, said:
“During our 12-week trial period, in collaboration with Skyline Cockpit and Radius Group, we analysed the data and assessed the benefits, and we’re pleased to announce that we will continue to use this game-changing technology at the 33-storey Crown Place Birmingham for the remainder of the project’s construction.”
Alan Pulver, of Crown Student Living, added:
“The ground control system for operating tower cranes is a great advancement for the construction industry, and we are proud to be associated with both Winvic and Skyline Cockpit in this groundbreaking venture.”
