The Titan Today
July 2007 – The Waverley passes on opening night
July 2008 – Local school children gaze 150ft below
In 2004 Clydebank re-built, the local urban regeneration
company, took ownership of around 10 acres of the
former John Brown's site from the private sector, including the
Titan Crane.
Following consultation with Clydebank community, the decision
was taken to not only restore the Crane to its' former magnificance
but to open it up to the public as a visitor and heritage
attraction.
Once the architect and contractors were appointed, work began in
earnest in 2005. The restoration and conversion works were
estimated to cost around £3million but have cost more in the region
of £3.75million.
Due to open for its' first season in May 2007, 100 years
after the Titan was first completed, this was delayed
until July 2007 due to problems caused by the weather and
strict restoration methods and regulations imposed by
Historic Scotland. The Crane is Category A' listed, the
highest listing in Scotland putting it on a par with both
Edinburgh and Stirling Castles.
Since opening in 2007, the Crane has welcomed all - from
grandparents with grandchildren to education groups to ex shipyard
workers and their families. In 2008 it was awarded the Chicago
Aethaneum Award for Architecture and in 2009, a further two awards
from the Civic Trust.
Since 2009, it has been possible at times to sail down to
the Titan Crane, as a new pontoon has been created at Queens
Quay.
Also, why not abseil from the Titan Crane for charity? This
a fun and exciting way to raise funds for a good cause while
testing, if like the Crane, your nerves are made of steel, contact
Enable Scotland.