The crane - erected as part of RIGH Properties’ new apart‑hotel development between Princes Street and Hanover Street - sits within one of the tightest construction footprints in Edinburgh’s city centre. Its installation represents a significant achievement for the project team and marks the beginning of the main construction phase.

Working with contractor Thomas Johnstone Ltd, PMQS Axiom PSL, architects Fletcher Joseph Associates, and services engineers 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 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.

As part of its role, Will Rudd Edinburgh designed the crane foundations, ensuring the structure could be safely installed within the highly constrained urban environment. The operation showcases the company’s long‑standing expertise in delivering bespoke engineering solutions for complex city‑centre sites, where space is limited, and standard approaches are rarely sufficient.

Chris Milne, director at Will Rudd Edinburgh, 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. Once complete, the scheme will bring new life to this iconic stretch of Princes Street and contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Edinburgh’s city centre.