Dart RNLI volunteers mark major milestone as their new station is complete
Dart RNLI’s new lifeboat station project is complete. RNLI volunteer crew moved into the new building at the weekend (Dec 6-7), and with the D class lifeboat in its new, purpose-built boathall, the station is now operational from the new state-of-the-art facility in Dartmouth.
The new lifeboat station is at Ferry View House, the original lifeboat station built in the 1800s. Volunteer crew spent the weekend moving over their operational kit and the D class lifeboat into the new building. As of Monday 8 December, the new lifeboat station was declared operational.
The building has undergone extensive renovation and an extension has been added. It now includes a first floor open space for crew training, an office, welfare facilities and a purpose-built changing area for crew. The building is a significant upgrade from the previous station at Coronation Park, where space was very limited for the 33-strong volunteers crew, shore crew and operational volunteers to operate from. The volunteers also had to navigate moving the D class across the park to launch in an emergency.
Yorkie Lomas, Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager at Dart RNLI, said: ‘We are beyond thrilled with our new lifeboat station, and delighted to be moved in just before the Christmas period, it is the best present!
‘The new space will make a huge difference to our volunteers - we now have a suitable space to debrief following a shout, a well equipped crew room for shore based training and meetings, storage solutions to protect and preserve our kit, and an appropriate space for our crews to change.
‘We’d like to thank everybody who has played their part in this project, from the volunteers here at Dart, to the contractors, and most importantly all those who have donated money and supported us to enable this project to reach completion.’
The project began in spring last year and has been undertaken by contractors Nevada Construction.
Director of Nevada Construction Bob Tranckle said: ‘We are proud to have supported the RNLI in delivering the new lifeboat station at Ferry View House in Dartmouth, a historic building in a highly sensitive waterfront location. Working within tight boundaries and complex logistics, we were able to progress safely and efficiently thanks to the cooperation of our neighbours, including the Britannia Royal Naval College, the Dart Marina Hotel and neighbouring residents, who generously allowed essential construction space in an environment where every metre matters.
‘The RNLI have been excellent to work with throughout - they are dedicated people who want the very best for their community, and it has been a pleasure to support them on a project of such value and purpose. We hope the Dart crew enjoy this fantastic new facility.
‘The completed building is exceptionally well designed and specified, settling naturally into its surroundings as though it has always belonged on the waterfront, a result the whole team can be proud of.’
The project is being funded from multiple sources, including a £1.2m local fundraising appeal, Trusts and grants, legacies, and philanthropic donations. The entire project, including the purchase of the land and building works, is costing in the region of £3million and represents a significant investment in RNLI lifesaving in south Devon. The fundraising will continue until the station officially opens in spring 2026.
The previous station at Coronation Park will be handed back to the town council at the end of December for repurpose.
Notes to editors
Pictured L to R - Bob Tranckle, Director of Nevada Construction, Dart RNLI volunteer crew members Karl Madge and Robin Johnson, and Rob Walker, Contracts Manager at Nevada Construction. Photo copyright Alex Sydenham, Nevada Construction
Also included is an image of the front of the new lifeboat station. Credit RNLI
And images of the new crew room and changing area. Credit Alex Sydenham, Nevada Construction
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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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