Four towering Potain cranes are making their mark in Lyon as they help drive construction progress at the Vues Ciel (Sky Views) development in the Gratte-Ciel district.
Local contractor Fontanel, a longstanding Potain customer, has deployed three cranes from its fleet—the MDT 248, MDT 268, and MDT 269—and leased an MDT 389 L16 from Potain’s local dealer, Valente Grue Assistance.
These cranes are playing a pivotal role in the €9.8 million project, led by Groupe SERL, which aims to transform the area with six towers, nine houses, and a range of commercial spaces including a supermarket, cinema, and car park. The project covers over 61,000 m² of floor space and is expected to be completed by early 2027, three years after the first groundwork began.
The Potain MDT 389 operates at an impressive 78 m height under hook with a 70 m jib, while the MDT 269 reaches 62 m with a 55 m jib. The MDT 268 stands at 57 m with a 40 m jib, and the more compact MDT 248 is erected to 38 m with a 40 m jib. Three of these cranes are equipped with the Potain Cab-IN elevator system, offering operators faster and more secure access to their cabs.
Safety remains paramount on-site, with all cranes fitted with cameras and interference systems to enhance security. The cranes are responsible for pouring over 60 m³ of concrete daily and handling heavy loads, including prefabricated balconies weighing over 8 tonnes.
Situated within a Concerted Development Zone (ZAC), the Vues Ciel project is designed to harmonise with the community’s needs. The six towers, the tallest reaching 59 m, feature stepped architecture, terraces, and white-plastered facades, reflecting the style of the area’s original buildings designed by Môrice Leroux in the 1930s.
Environmental sustainability is at the forefront of the development. The project utilises organic and geo-sourced materials such as hemp concrete and raw earth. Additionally, once construction is complete, the concrete foundation from one of the cranes will be removed to allow new trees to be planted, reinforcing the area’s green credentials.
As construction continues, the synergy of advanced crane technology and sustainable design is set to redefine Lyon’s skyline, creating a vibrant, community-focused space for future generations.
