Clive Moore

The new life boat station replaces an existing 120 year old structure. The new building enables the use of a new Shannon Class lifeboat.

A suitable site was identified on the opposite side of the harbour and work commenced in September of 2019. The project worked through the COVID epidemic and completion was  completed within 12 months and just below budget. The building was handed over to the RNLI in October 2020 and became operational in February 2021.

The building is built off a concrete beam and raft foundation and supported on a galvanised steel frame. An effort was made to include as many natural materials as possible with the use of local limestone for the lower masonry walls, Siberian larch, and a natural copper roof.

The use of a framed structure was essential to allow for the large spans above the main boat hall and also to support the glulam beams and roof sub-structure. To ensure long term durability, the whole steel frame was galvanized.

The new station also embraces alternative technology with ground sourced heating and extensive solar panels.

The building houses two lifeboats, a Shannon Class all weather lifeboat and smaller D Class inshore lifeboat.

Photographs © David Williams, Tomos Moore, Clive Moore