‘Stretch’ limbering up for a big couple of months

A new addition to Dunedin’s skyline is about to appear.

It is a 74m-high crane nicknamed "Stretch".

The 250-tonne Titan Leibherr LR1250 crawler arrived at the former Cadbury site in 10 trucks this week.

It takes two days to set up and is likely to be fully erected by tomorrow.

The boom of a large crane nicknamed ‘‘Stretch’’, which is being assembled at the site of the new...
The boom of a large crane nicknamed ‘‘Stretch’’, which is being assembled at the site of the new Dunedin hospital. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY

New Dunedin hospital programme manager Mike Barns said "Stretch", which was given its name by staff, would be located in the centre of the site and would be visible across the Dunedin skyline.

"Stretch has a busy time ahead and will be used to cut and crane the top levels of the facade off."

It would also crane up two 20-tonne excavators that would start to demolish the rest of the building from the top down.

"Before he leaves, Stretch will be used to help remove the silos," Mr Barns said.

The crane required Civil Aviation Authority approval, as it will sit within the existing hospital flight path, and will be appropriately lit to ensure it is visible at all times.

"Stretch" is expected to be a part of the demolition works for about two months.