The Politecnico di Milano, Campus Bovisa-Goccia-Gasometri, is one of the largest urban redevelopment projects currently underway in Milan. Two historic gasometers, built in the early twentieth century for gas storage, are being transformed into two new buildings of eight and six storeys respectively, which will house offices, laboratories, a gym and other facilities for the university. One of the two gasometers is being partly dismantled, restored off site and reassembled, while the other is being restored in place. Site works began in October 2023 and completion of the project is scheduled for early 2027.
A complex site with a clear requirement
The redevelopment is carried out by CMSA Società Cooperativa, part of the ATI Conscoop, Consorzio Integra consortium, together with Pentagas and Gianni Benvenuto Spa.
For the tower cranes on site, CMSA worked closely with Liebherr dealer Niederstätter, a family run company specialising in the sale and rental of construction machinery, modular site structures and operator training. From the early planning stage, the Niederstätter team worked closely with CMSA's site management to identify the most suitable solution in terms of machinery and logistics. The central requirement for the project was to cover the entire construction site with cranes able to lift loads of up to three tonnes. Together, the two teams defined an action plan for the tower cranes to be used on site, with Niederstätter providing targeted advice on crane positioning, the organisation of site space and the optimisation of logistics based on the specific conditions on site.
Three flat-top cranes positioned for full site coverage
The requirements identified during the planning phase directly influenced the number, models and size of the tower cranes selected, as well as their careful positioning on site. Three Liebherr flat-top cranes were chosen for the project. A 205 EC-B with a hook height of 50 metres and a jib lenght of 60 metres, a 240 EC-B with a hook height of 65 metres and a jib length of 68 metres, and a 250 EC-B with a hook height of 80 metres and a jib length of 70 metres. Erection of the cranes began on 17 March 2025. The three cranes were positioned to cover every area of the site, ensuring safe and efficient handling of materials. Together, they handle the lifting of loads, material handling, steel construction and facade assembly, as well as concreting work across the project.
Site logistics for a new landmark
Niederstätter's involvement in the project went beyond the supply and positioning of the tower cranes. For the Milan site, the company also designed and built a two storey modular structure measuring 36.5 by 7.35 metres, used for offices, changing rooms, storage and meeting rooms. The design phase took two months in close coordination with CMSA, while assembly on site was completed within one week. Additionally, Liebherr Tower Crane Solutions, supported the project with tower system combinations and foundation loads.
The two gasometers form part of the wider Bovisa-Goccia-Gasometri masterplan, which is intended to connect the university campus with a new public park and to establish the area as an innovation district for Milan. The steel structures of the gasometers are being preserved and restored as part of the redevelopment, combining the site's industrial history with its new academic and research use.
The three EC-B cranes remain in operation throughout construction on both gasometer buildings, supporting the project through to its scheduled completion in early 2027. As flat-top cranes, they have no cross bracing above the jib, which allows several cranes to slew freely over one another. On a site where three cranes cover overlapping working areas within a confined urban plot, this design is a key reason the cranes could be positioned to reach every part of the site without restricting each other's operating range.
