Project Overview:

The Novotel Cambridge Station development represented a significant addition to Cambridge's hospitality and business infrastructure—a 217-bed hotel featuring restaurant, bar, gym, 10-metre swimming pool, and conference facilities. Situated at Cambridge Square adjacent to the railway station, this project required careful coordination of lifting operations in a constrained urban environment with active transport links and surrounding developments.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Serving as Crane Supervisor, one of CLS's own held direct responsibility for overseeing all lifting operations throughout the construction programme. This role encompassed:

• Planning and coordinating crane operations across multiple phases of construction, from structural frame erection through to fit-out

• Managing crane operator schedules and ensuring appropriate resource allocation to meet construction sequencing demands

• Conducting pre-lift briefings and toolbox talks with crane operators, slingers, and site personnel

• Liaising with the main contractor and subcontractors to coordinate lifting requirements and resolve on-site logistical challenges

• Reviewing and approving method statements and risk assessments for complex or non-routine lifts

• Monitoring compliance with lifting plans and intervening when site conditions or operational changes required plan modifications

• Overseeing the safe movement of structural steel, precast concrete elements, mechanical plant, building materials, and internal fit-out components

• Managing crane positioning to accommodate the site's spatial constraints while maintaining coverage across the building footprint

• Ensuring all lifting operations adhered to CDM regulations and site-specific safety requirements

Site-Specific Challenges:

The Cambridge Station location presented particular operational considerations. Working adjacent to an active railway station required strict adherence to Network Rail restrictions and coordination protocols. The urban setting meant managing lifts in proximity to pedestrian areas, existing buildings, and ongoing station operations. Material deliveries needed to be carefully scheduled to minimise disruption, and crane operations had to account for limited laydown areas and access routes.

The diversity of lifts—from heavy structural elements during the frame construction phase to delicate mechanical plant installations and swimming pool equipment—required adaptable planning and constant communication with trades across the project.

Key Experience Gained:

This supervisory role provided comprehensive exposure to the non-operational aspects of lifting management that are critical to project success. Beyond the technical ability to operate cranes, the Novotel project developed expertise in:

• Multi-crane coordination and resource management across extended project timelines

• Stakeholder communication with contractors, designers, and regulatory bodies

• Problem-solving when site conditions don't match original lift plans

• Balancing safety requirements with commercial pressures and programme constraints

• Understanding how lifting operations impact critical path activities and overall project delivery

Project Impact:

The experience gained as Crane Supervisor at Novotel Cambridge Station directly shaped how Cambridge Lifting Services approaches contract lift projects today. Understanding lifting operations from a supervisory perspective—where the focus is on planning, coordination, risk management, and team leadership rather than just equipment operation—provides CLS with insight into what clients actually need from their lifting partner.

This project reinforced that successful lifting operations require more than capable equipment and qualified operators. They require proactive communication, detailed planning that accounts for real-world site constraints, and the ability to adapt when circumstances change. These principles are embedded in every contract lift and lift planning service CLS delivers.