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Tolent wins a contract to build a lifeboat station for RNLI

Construction works have commenced on a new facility for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in Cleethorpes.

The new lifeboat station will replace the two existing facilities on Central Promenade providing a new two-storey building providing an integrated boat hall and workshop, shop, changing rooms and office facilities.

The new shoreside location will provide a slipway on the beach itself, allowing an immediate launch of lifeboats from the boat hall into the water.

Most importantly, the design eliminates the need for RNLI volunteers to bring the lifeboat from across the road, which is currently the practice, saving crucial time during a crisis.

With over 3.4 million visitors each year, Cleethorpes is a popular seaside destination with the beach and local attractions most active within the summer months. The new facility will complement this bustling environment and be a key landmark on the seafront for years to come.

Following a competitive tender exercise, Tolent was appointed as the contractor to deliver the scheme that started on site in April 2022.

Tolent has a wealth of experience in the sector having completed similar works for the RNLI in Redcar as well as recently delivering the refurbishment and extension of a new office and hanger facility for the Great North Air Ambulance in Eaglescliffe.

Stuart Crofts, Project Manager of Tolent, said: “This is a really interesting project to be involved in with a number of unique challenges.

“Not only is the site situated on a busy promenade; works also need to be scheduled within a 5-hour window where the beach is accessible between rapidly changing tides.

“The load-bearing capacity of the sand also has to be constantly maintained making the job even trickier.”

Andrew Shaw, Regional Manager of Tolent, said: “We are extremely proud to be working with the RNLI to ramp up the safety of civilians at the beach. This project is exciting and unique in many ways and we understand the responsibility that it comes with. As a company, we are always striving for projects that make a difference in the community and the ongoing partnership with RNLI is a testimony to that.”

North East Lincolnshire Council is involved in the project, corresponding closely with Tolent to ensure minimum disruption to the public including an extensive traffic management scheme.

Steve Randall, Estates Engineer for the RNLI, said: “This new lifeboat station will be an asset to the resort of Cleethorpes, as well as enabling our volunteer crew to operate more effectively and safely, overall providing a better lifesaving service to the area. We’re delighted to be working with Tolent once again and look forward to seeing the results of the project.”

The construction of the lifeboat station is currently underway and will start to take shape in the coming months as substructure works are completed. Look out in October when the building will reach its full height with the project due for completion in February 2023.