YOU certainly need a head for heights to help construct the UK’s largest luffing crane.

And while it might look like part of a giant Meccano set, this huge structure will be visible from across Bolton for the next seven months.

Engineers have spent all week erecting the huge crane in Bridge Street after it was shipped over from Poland.

Set to be 123 metres tall when fully built, the crane will be used to hoist a steel structure which will eventually house a new nine-screen cinema into the revamped Market Place.

First a 45-metre mast was erected, and then a 78 metre luffing rig has been added to it piece by piece with the help of a smaller 30-metre crane.

This work will continue next week, when a 500-tonne jib – the last piece in the puzzle – is attached to the top of the structure.

Steve Hatch is the project manager for Mclaren Construction, the firm entrusted with carrying out the ambitious project.

He said: “The crane will be completed next week as the main jib, which weighs 500 tonnes, needs to be put on top but the main structure is now built.

“The project is running smoothly so far.

“The road is set to reopen on Sunday morning. There will be an evening road closure at some point but we cannot yet confirm when this will be.”

The cinema launch is part of the ambitious £19 million Market Place redevelopment by owners The Moorgarth Group.

The project will also see new shops launch in the centre and bars and restaurants opened in the refurbished Victoria vaults beneath the complex.

The cinema is expected to open in December, with the overall centre opening scheduled for January next year.