RNLI Penlee Lifeboat Station nominated for outstanding building award

Studio Four Architects designed the state of the art facility and are amongst nominees that reflect sustainability, innovation and collaboration.

The brand new RNLI Penlee Lifeboat Station has been nomintated under two separate pioneering initiatives across nine award categories. It boasts nominations in both the ‘Infrastructure’ and ‘Land and Rural’ sectors. The RICS awards ceremonies are taking place in twelve different UK regions, with the South West awards on 15 May. However, due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, the ceremonies have been re-scheduled to be online through pre-recorded videos, which will reveal the winning building.

In 2019, RNLI Penlee Lifeboat Station undertook a modern upgrade to provide the volunteer crew with an innovative working environment. The contemporary two-storey build features a large operational room, training room, changing facilities and workshop for the crew, along with a public engagement area. This is paramount for the local community allowing the RNLI to convey its water safety messages to locals and visitors whilst also displaying Penlee’s proud lifesaving heritage.

The project was led by the designers Studio Four Architects, with, Marbas Civil and Structural Engineers, TNG Consulting, Slade Parry quantity surveyors, and MSafe as construction Health and Safety lead, and built by Symons Construction Ltd taking around nine months to complete.

Costing just under £1.2 million, the new building was been funded by a number of generous bequests and donations from individuals, Trusts, companies and a very well supported local community appeal.

Patrick Harvey, Penlee RNLI Coxswain, said, ‘We were excited to learn that our lifeboat station has been shortlisted and delighted for Studio Four Architects. We’ve been in the building now for about 10 months and its fantastic, and a major upgrade from the single storey, cramped facility we had before and made a huge difference for the crew who can now get a hot shower after a shout, we can debrief with a warm cup of tea in our dedicated crew space.

We’re really proud of it and the design is a focal point in Newlyn Harbour. Its up against some excellent architectural competition in both categories, we’re looking forward to the ceremony on 15 May and wish Studio Four Architects the best of luck’.

All category winners will go through to the RICS Social Impact Awards 2020 grand final which is due to take place in London later this year.

Notes to editors

· Attached an image of Penlee RNLI lifeboat station credit Studio Four Architects

· The RICS Social Impact Awards Ceremony for the South West will take place on a digital platform on 15 May. More information on how to access this can be found at https://www.rics.org/uk/events/conferences-seminars/conferences-update/

· Take a look inside RNLI Penlee Lifeboat Station here: https://studiofourarchitects.com/rnli-penlee-lifeboat-station-2/

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Becky Bright, RNLI Media Engagement Placement for the South West at [email protected]. or Amy Caldwell, Regional Media Manager on 07920818807 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].

RNLI online

For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

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 over 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 142,200 lives.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.