Ainscough Crane Hire delivers largest telecoms lift to date as part of NTQ Project

Ainscough Crane Hire has successfully completed its largest telecoms lifting operation to date, safely decommissioning a 48-tonne telecoms structure on a BT switch site in Southampton as part of the national Notice to Quit (NTQ) project.

The NTQ process involves the removal of telecoms infrastructure following formal notifications from landlords or site providers to terminate lease agreements. These decommissions are essential to ensure network operators remain compliant while continuing to modernise and optimise coverage across the UK.

The complex lift was on behalf of Circet Wireless, part of the Circet Group.

The project required extensive logistical planning – including transport for the counterweights for both cranes and route planning to site –  and the deployment of two cranes from Ainscough’s Heavy Cranes division – the LTM1500 and LTM1650 – to carry out a tandem lift.

The sheer weight and position of the structure meant precision and coordination were paramount throughout the operation.

The lift was completed smoothly over a two-day period, with no issues arising during the execution in so small part thanks to the meticulous advance planning that was completed.

A video of the lift can be seen here:

Paul Clewes, Ainscough Crane Hire’s Telecoms Project Manager, commented: “This job represents a significant achievement for our team and I want to acknowledge the exceptional skill level of all personnel on site. Our work in the telecoms sector is going from strength to strength and this milestone project underlines Ainscough’s expertise in complex, high-stakes telecoms lifting operations and reaffirms our commitment to safety, technical excellence, and industry-leading service.

“I’m exceptionally proud of how we successfully delivered our biggest telecoms job yet in a safe and timely manner and look forward to delivering further landmark projects in this critical industry.”

From 5G deployments to complex telecoms lifts, Ainscough continues to support the UK’s critical infrastructure with industry-leading lifting solutions.