RNLI submits plans for new Burry Port lifesaving centre

The current boathouse is too small and outdated for the charity’s plans to establish a lifesaving centre at the town. The lifesaving centre will promote safety education and enhance visitor experience for the public as they learn more about the charity’s work. The planning application was submitted by the RNLI to Carmarthenshire County Council yesterday (Monday 23 January).

The planning application proposes that the new build will be located in the area between the existing brick lifeboat station and the western slipway, adjacent to the existing cycle track.

The two-storey building will offer the extra space required to house both lifeboats and will help speed up the launch process when the crew are called out on a life-saving mission. The new building will include modern training and changing facilities for the volunteer crew; a mechanic’s workshop; a shop and a viewing area so the public can see the lifeboats. There will also be display areas for the volunteers to mount exhibitions and share information about their lifesaving work and to promote sea safety.

Lloyd Evans, RNLI Estates Principal Engineer, said: ‘The RNLI has been working closely with the council to ensure that the new lifesaving centre will be an asset for Burry Port. It will allow us to locate both lifeboats in one building, making for a more efficient operation, and will provide the much-improved facilities that our volunteer crew deserve.

‘Where possible, the RNLI encourages members of the public to visit our lifesaving centres; the new building will have the advantage of a more interactive visitor experience where temporary exhibitions can be held, while the public will be able to see the lifeboat at her best from a purpose-built viewing gallery.’

Alun Wells, Burry Port RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, said: ‘This new development is a tremendous boost for our volunteers with these proposed first class facilities. It is a major step forward in the re-generation of Burry Port Harbour and sea-front areas, and will ensure an RNLI presence and legacy for the local community for many years to come.’

Burry Port lifeboat station was opened in its current location in 1887 and was operated until 1914 when it was agreed that neighbouring stations provided sufficient cover. In 1973, as a result of the increase in drowning incidents in Carmarthen Bay, the station was reopened with a D-Class inshore lifeboat. In 2002, the RNLI concluded that the station would benefit from the addition of a B-Class Atlantic 75 inshore lifeboat which is housed in the nearby steel annex building.

Notes to editor

Attached are artist's impressions of the proposed build at Burry Port. Credit: Lewis Partnership

The lifesaving centre has been designed by Llanelli-based Architects Lewis Partnership and Swansea based Civil & Structural Engineers CB3 Consult Ltd.

The proposed works to increase the width of the existing western slipway and the construction of the building will be submitted as two separate planning applications. It is anticipated that the slipway works will be completed in advance of the building.

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For more information, please contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Public Relations Manager West, on 07771 941 390 or [email protected].

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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