The RNLI has recommenced building work on their new lifeboat station in Cleethorpes following the stoppage of works due to the original construction contractor entering receivership.

Works resumed on the 19th of February 2024, and are due to be completed in late autumn.

According to a press release from RNLI, 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.”

Furthermore, Mick Fowler, the volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager for Cleethorpes, 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.”

He goes on to say that the changes and the addition of the new lifeboat will help “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 addition of the slipway aspect of the project is highly anticipated as the launch and recovery of boats take place across a public road near a blind bend. This will greatly aid the safety of motorists and pedestrians in the area, who may not be able to see the deployment of the vessels.

Throughout the build, the RNLI’s contractors say they will be working to minimise disruption to pedestrians, motorists, and events occurring within the area.