The construction of Tenby's new multi-million pound state-of-the-art lifeboat station is nearing completion. It is difficult to believe that it has been 18 months since the 'Deep Diver', the large red jack-up barge, first came to the site on a sunny day in August 2003. Of course, work on the project has been ongoing for some seven years in total, with the lead designers and environmental consultants, Royal Haskoning, investigating the ground conditions, undertaking environmental impact assessment and preparing designs. They, along with Bondesign who provided architectural services, worked to ensure that Tenby had a robust lifeboat station that was aesthetically pleasing, and, in the opinion of project manager, Ceirion Herbert, a structure that Tenby can be proud of. "I would like to think that the new station will provide the RNLI with excellent service for 100 years, as has the existing station," said Mr. Herbert. In order to accommodate the new Tamar lifeboat, the new station is larger than the existing one and when housed, the boat will sit horizontally, only tipping to the inclined position at launch and recovery. "The station is at three levels, the boat well, where the tipping cradle that holds the boat sits, the boathouse level and the gallery level," explained Mr. Herbert. "Access to the new station will be gained from the coastal path at Castle Hill via a small bridge," he continued. "You enter the building on the gallery level, half of which will be open to the public. From this level you will be able to view the boat and purchase souvenirs. The other half of the gallery level is dedicated for the crew changing rooms and is also where the crew will board the boat. " On the boathouse level, there will be a mechanic's workshop and a crew training room, allowing the crew, who are volunteers, to be trained with the latest techniques and health and safety requirements, enabling them to undertake sea rescue as effectively and as safely as possible. Since Tenby will have the first purpose-built lifeboat station capable of housing the Tamar, a series of trials, with a prototype boat, will be undertaken in early spring at the station. Tenby's own new Tamar boat, the Haydn Miller, will arrive in the autumn this year, replacing the RFA Sir Galahad which has given excellent service over the last 20 years. "As project manager for the construction of the new station, I would like to thank all the designers and contractors, for all the hard effort they have made in the production of this unique building," added Mr. Herbert. "I would also like to thank the people of Tenby for their co-operation during the construction phase and the assistance received from the stakeholders group. "It is particularly gratifying to realise that this building will in some way help the RNLI, who are funded by donations alone, to save lives, and I wish the Tenby crew and RNLI supporters the best of luck in the future."
