Lifting Solutions

Our in-house McAlpine Lifting Solutions team can help you with complete lifting, access and logistics solutions.

McAlpine Lifting Solutions provides our teams, clients and supply chain partners with complete lifting, access and logistics solutions which can make all the difference to the success of a project.

The team pride themselves on coming up with the right solution for every project.

As well as helping provide clarity on costs, they can also advise in areas such as lifting equipment selection and location as well as on transportation and oversailing, anticipating and mitigating problems in advance to avoid potentially costly delays.

Key services include: 

  • Tender, technical / commercial and project reviews for general construction projects
  • Lifting operations planning across all forms of lifting equipment
  • Optimum lifting and handling solutions for those unusual and awkward access and lifting problems
  • Safe use of lifting equipment guidance and risk assessment for specific project challenges
  • Logistics solutions for complex site locations
  • Advice to project and client teams for optimum vertical transportation for low to high rise construction

Raising the bar

Darren Biggs, Lead Appointed Person at Sir Robert McAlpine, introduces the revised Schedule of lifts for Tower Crane – A practical guidance, now available in Word format. This update reflects valuable industry feedback and continues the commitment to providing free, practical templates and guidance for lifting operations. Borne from years of experience on high-profile projects, these benchmark documents aim to support consistency and quality across the sector. Designed to be clear, concise and adaptable, they offer a solid foundation for contractors to build their own schedules. Read more.

Darren Biggs, Lead Appointed Person at Sir Robert McAlpine, introduces the revised 'Schedule of lifts for Tower Crane'

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Download the PDF of "Schedule of lifts for Tower Crane"

A practical guide to scheduling lifts for tower cranes – Revised 1st September 2025

  • Minimum Standards for Subcontractors

    Download our minimum standards for lifting and rigging operations.

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  • Overcoming logistical challenges on HS2 project

    Our Align joint venture team drew on the expertise of our McAlpine Lifting Solutions (MLS) colleagues to help overcome the logistical challenge of assembling the giant tunnel boring machines that will be used on HS2. 

    MLS’s input included providing technical advice on the selection of suitable cranes to support each stage of the assembly works for the two tunnel boring machines that were used to create the 16km Chiltern Tunnels section.

    Find out more

Sectors where we work

  1. Defence

    For over 155 years, Sir Robert McAlpine, a UK family owned business, has been a trusted partner, delivering major civil and defence infrastructure projects, and sensitive, high security projects, across the United Kingdom.

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  2. Healthcare

    We create innovative, patient-centred healthcare facilities with advanced technologies, ensuring therapeutic environments and seamless operational transitions.

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  3. Commercial

    We create award-winning, energy-efficient, innovative workspaces promoting health, well-being, and sustainability, engaging stakeholders with creative communications.

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  4. Industrial

    We build advanced manufacturing plants and vast warehouses, enabling UK industries to adapt to technological changes and meet market demands.

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  5. Heritage & Special Projects

    Complex heritage restoration and signature new build projects call for a different degree of care.

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  6. Building an Infrastructure Legacy

    From the pioneering railways and viaducts of the Victorian era constructed by our founder, we continue to build on our legacy of infrastructure projects with the delivery of today’s essential highway and rail networks.

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Recent projects

  1. View from the rooftop of 1 Broadgate, offering a panoramic perspective of the London skyline.

    Shaping the future of workspace at Broadgate

    Sectors: Commercial
    Region: London
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  2. Sir Robert McAlpine Tower Crane

    Delivering a sustainable City landmark

    Sectors: Commercial
    Region: London
    Read more
  3. Detailed view of bronze anodized aluminium screens

    A collaborative and innovative approach to construction on campus

    Sectors: Education
    Region: North East
    Read more

Our expertise and services

  2. Customer Care

    Our focus on building strong relationships with clients means we are committed to your satisfaction throughout the lifecycle of our construction projects.

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  3. Construction

    We have all the technical know-how, people, plant and equipment to deliver the largest and most complex of construction projects.

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  4. Pre-Construction

    We use our in-depth knowledge and expertise to help clients and project teams plan for success.

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  5. Construction Management

    Construction management is a delivery route through which we can add tremendous value.

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  6. Façades

    We have the specialist in-house expertise to deliver today's increasingly technical and complex façades.

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  7. Geospatial Engineering

    Providing a 360° analysis of land and developments, with minimal disruption onsite.

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  8. Digital Construction

    We invest in industry-leading software and mobile applications. So we can deliver cost efficiencies and top performance - each and every time.

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  9. Axis Land Partnerships

    Creating places people want to live, securing best value for land.

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HS2
McAlpine Lifting Solutions
Tunnel Boaring Machines
Align Joint Venture