Penlee RNLI share progress and next steps towards the new lifeboat station

The build process will include provision of a temporary lifeboat station adjacent to the old inshore lifeboat building at the southern end of the Newlyn Harbour car park. The temporary station will be installed during March, and the volunteer crew will gradually decant into this facility during April. They will operate from here throughout the build, ensuring that Penlee RNLI’s lifeboat operations will be unaffected.

Chris Refoy, RNLI Chief Engineer says much of the timescale for the build is dependent on the diversion of a sewer under the footprint of the proposed building. He says;

‘There is a large overflow sewer, which runs under the car park and discharges into the harbour. This sits underneath the footprint of the proposed building and an application has been submitted to South West Water to gain permission for a diversion. We hope that the sewer diversion will happen in May 2018. If that occurs, construction of the new lifeboat station building will be able to commence in June 2018 and is expected to be completed and become fully operational during in Spring 2019. This timescale requires the sewer diversion to proceed smoothly.’

Notes to editors

• Please find attached a 3D image of the proposed new Penlee Lifeboat Station credit Studio Four Architects Ltd

• The current Penlee RNLI lifeboat station at Newlyn. Please credit RNLI/Penlee
• The proposed new station will house a larger crew/operational room, training room, changing room and workshop, along with a visitor engagement area.
• The contemporary two-storey building will be located on the same site as the existing station.
• Penlee’s current lifeboat station in Newlyn was built in 1983 as a temporary measure but unfortunately, 34 years on, it is no longer fit for purpose. With approximately 25 volunteer crew and additional shore crew as well as fundraisers using the building, there is an urgent need for more space.

For more information please contact Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Media Manager on 07920 818807 or [email protected] or Elaine Trethowan, Penlee RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07704669406 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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