A STRUCTURE that has dominated part of the North-East skyline for three years is about to go.
Work begins today on taking down the tower crane at The Sage music centre, in Gateshead.
Since it was put up in 2001, the crane has helped install more than 18,000 cubic metres of concrete for the building's foundations, lifted on the striking curved steel roof, and placed 250 glass panels on the exterior.
The crane is being moved to a job in Oxford Street, London.
The 24-hour operation will involve eight complex procedures to dismantle the crane.
These include taking off the 35-tonne counter-balance weight, reducing the 70-metre front jib, and removing the ring that allows the crane to turn.
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