Crane as viewing platform

To bring a historic Bristol crane, DD2 by Stothert&Pitt, back from Avon docks, before it gets scrapped. Locate on dockside, eg Wapping Wharf and decommission. Convert to a viewing platform. The size, stairways etc are well built on a DD2, making it easy to convert to a safe and large viewing platform (unlike the current cranes in front of MShed).

Why the contribution is important

Imagine a destination, from which you look over the whole of the Floating Harbour. A location where you can see from Temple Meads, past SSGB, to the suspension bridge...all Brunel's works from one central location. The engine room is the size of a living room, enough to give talks. It would be Bristol's equivalent of the London Eye or Glasgow's Titan Eye.

by user997267 on November 19, 2013 at 04:18PM

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Posted by user997267 November 19, 2013 at 17:08

Here is an image of what it might look like, at a suggested location on Whapping Wharf. https://www.facebook.com/ph[…].1073741827.121550134545263

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Posted by user997267 November 19, 2013 at 21:40

Some similar projects include:
Harlingen crane hotel:
http://www.vuurtoren-harlingen.nl/eng/index3b.php
Glasgow's Titan crane:
http://www.titanclydebank.com
Historic DD2 cranes on Wapping Wharf can be seen in M-Shed picture archives.

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Posted by user997267 November 19, 2013 at 21:42

An expense for building a tall structure is always ensuring the foundations are dug out and built securely. As the quayside in Bristol already has the supporting train rails, where the DD2 used to run, it means there is no extra foundation work to be done. The key task is to bring the crane and have it reworked as a viewing platform...

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Posted by user237890 November 19, 2013 at 22:14

How would you gain access to it?

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Posted by user997267 November 20, 2013 at 13:21

Access to the first platform (about +3m) is via a ladder, so this would need to be reviewed, perhaps with a turnstile, ticket office etc at ground level. Above that, an enclosed spiral staircase goes up into the engine/control room. From there, there is a loft-hatch and ladder arrangement from within the engine room to get out onto the roof of the engine room. This again could be redesigned to make it more substantial. There are handrails both at the +3m platform level and handrails when on the top of the engine room (as well as within the spiral enclosed stair).

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Posted by user734334 November 24, 2013 at 11:23

Love it!

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Posted by user536903 November 25, 2013 at 09:33

Great.. this will be something specific to Bristol.. good to see all Brunel's attractions from one point..

nice one mate!

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Posted by user251846 January 15, 2014 at 14:11

Great idea!

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Crane as viewing platform

Why the contribution is important

Current Rating

Comments

Posted by user997267 November 19, 2013 at 17:08

Posted by user997267 November 19, 2013 at 21:40

Posted by user997267 November 19, 2013 at 21:42

Posted by user237890 November 19, 2013 at 22:14

Posted by user997267 November 20, 2013 at 13:21

Posted by user734334 November 24, 2013 at 11:23

Posted by user536903 November 25, 2013 at 09:33

Posted by user251846 January 15, 2014 at 14:11

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