The first phase of the new Wells RNLI lifeboat station is complete!
After nine months of working through all weathers and Covid restrictions, contractors Mackley have successfully finished the first phase of the build. Construction of the ramps and foundations, and installation of drainage services and water tanks, are all complete, leaving way for Phase 2 to begin.
A great deal of construction has taken place over the last nine months; first the level of the beach had to be raised, followed by piling for the two ramps and the main building. All the necessary steel works have been put in place, as have the concrete slabs for the ramps and concrete for the foundations of the main building. The timber works are complete and the outline of the building is now very clear to see. Mackley are in the process of handing over to build and fit out contractors Reside, for the next phase in this exciting and incredibly worthwhile project.
Work began on the new lifeboat station in September 2020 and is expected to be completed in Autumn 2022. It will house the brand new RNLI Shannon-class all-weather lifeboat which will arrive in Wells shortly after the station is complete, and will replace the current Mersey-class lifeboat which is now over 30 years old.
With the forthcoming Shannon-class lifeboat, the volunteer crew at Wells will be using the best equipment available to make their job safer, faster and more effective for saving those who find themselves in difficulty from the forces of the sea.
This fantastic project was part funded by a successful local campaign in 2014-2015, and part funded by the Civil Service charity ‘The Lifeboat Fund’. The RNLI are very grateful to contractors Mackley for the successful completion of the first phase, and to all those who have supported, helped and made financial donations towards the new Wells lifeboat station; without who, this major achievement would not be taking place.
For more information on this exciting new build, please see the Wells Lifeboat website at https://www.wellslifeboat.org/boathouse/about.htm
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Justine Sykes, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07710510516 or [email protected] or Paul Dunt, [email protected] Regional Media Officer on 07785 296252 or or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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, Twitter 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.