As previously reported, work on the new RNLI lifeboat station in Cleethorpes will finally restart today Monday 19 February.
Work on the new £3m build initially began back in April 2022. Construction paused in February 2023 after Tolent announced they had gone into administration, however workers returned to the site last to “maintain and prepare” it before works resume.
A spokesperson for the RNLI has confirmed that following the formation of a new tender and contractor a number of traffic management measures have also been reintroduced from today.
It is understood that the frame will come up on the building in the following weeks, followed by the roof and related works, including the slipway, which should see the shape of the building appear shortly after.
To allow works to go ahead safely, road closures on Central Prom return from today and will run Monday-Friday each week until the works are complete.
The team say they are also working with major event organisers to ensure minimal impact on the resort through the summer season.The new station will have its own slipway for launch and recovery of the boats. Currently, the lifeboat must cross a public road near a blind bend.
Last year was the busiest year for RNLI with around 80 incidents, which is understood to be ‘at the limit’ for the current D Class lifeboats, and the new station will allow the team to respond ‘quicker and to a wider range of incidents and more safely.’
A spokesperson also concluded the build plan was ‘striving to create a building that is an asset to the resort, including the design and materials used to support saving lives at sea, with an overall improvement to the resort.’
Ben Sautter, RNLI Principal Estates Engineer, said: “I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding whilst the building work has been paused. The RNLI has been working hard to ensure that the project could be restarted as soon as possible. However, several factors have led to the delay, including the need to retender the works and revalidate existing marine and other licencing agreements.
“We are delighted that the build is set to start in February. Our charity already has a strong relationship with Wynne Construction after working with them on previous RNLI lifeboat station projects and we look forward to continuing this in Cleethorpes.”
Mick Fowler, Cleethorpes RNLI’s volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “The station will be built on the beach in front of the current building and will provide the capability to position a second lifeboat at Cleethorpes, a more powerful B class Atlantic 85, which will join the existing D class lifeboat already on station.
“This will enable the charity to respond more quickly, in a wider range of weather conditions, to a larger variety of incidents while keeping our volunteers safer. The start of the build of our new station is an exciting moment for all our volunteers in Cleethorpes, both operational and fundraising.”
