These are the stunning images from on top of Liverpool's tallest crane.
The structure is currently in place as part of work to build the Infinity landmark development off Leeds Street - a scheme centred around three huge buildings soaring to 27, 33 and 39 storeys, set to transform part of the city's skyline
According to developers Elliot Group, it took two and a half days to erect the crane, with the views from the top as far afield as Snowdon.
Once built, the tallest of the three towers will be Liverpool's third highest structure .
The group said the crane is 262ft tall, weighs 145 tonnes, and will be on site for 18 months as Liverpool-based contractor Vermont build out the first tower.
Part-way through the build process the crane will need to be extended and will eventually rise to 475 feet.
Project director of Vermont, Allan Henshall of Vermont described it as “a feat of engineering".
When complete, the luxury apartment block will rise to 39 storeys, topping out at 436 feet above sea level and providing 416 new homes.
Two further towers, of 33 and 27 storeys, will also be built as part of the scheme, which has a development value of £250m and will provide 1,002 new homes and 10,000 square feet commercial space.
The crane, provided by Select Plant Hire, has a maximum lifting capacity of sixteen tonnes, although the crane driver uses his judgement with regards to the weight of each lift based on prevailing wind conditions.
According to the team, work will stop if wind speeds go past 30mph, with specialised monitoring equipment on the crane’s cab feeding information to the site managers below.
Project director Allan Henshall said: “You’ve got to be fit as a flea to work up there.
"There are 260 steps and that will rise to 460 when the crane is at its full height. Heaven help the driver if he forgets to take his butties with him.”
The cab is fitted with air cooling to help avoid dehydration and an ergonomically-designed seat to maximise comfort and support the driver’s back whilst sedentary for long periods.
A typical shift is nine hours, so if the driver needs the loo the cab is equipped with disposable urinal bags which convert fluid into a deodorized, non-spill gel within seconds.
Mr Henshall said if there’s a greater urgency, “he’s got a long climb down".
Elliot Lawless of Elliot Group, said: " This is one of our largest developments to date and the crane going up is a key milestone for the project.
“It’s all systems go now. Sales of apartments in our second tower are ahead of expectations and it’ll be a great day when all three towers are complete.”
