Phase 1 nears completion

Tuesday 4 May 2021

The first phase of construction for the new lifeboat station is heading towards completion, after which the current contractors Mackley will hand the site over to Reside to construct the boathouse building itself.

All structural concrete works have been completed including the front apron, capping beams and ILB ramp. All of the timber works have also been installed, including the terraces and guard planking around the south and east edges of the site and baulks down the side of the ALB ramp. There is some sanding, final checks and adjustments still to do.

The terracing has been filled and will be topped up with mix of sand and soil to encourage plant growth to help soften the site's edges and get it to blend in with the outer harbour berms and sea defences to the north. 

The majority of the service and drainage runs and chambers have been constructed, with just the soakaway and drainage field to be installed to the north, and final drainage connection to the south. 

Work has started outside the site itself on connecting it up to various services, starting with an awkward hand dug duct that will take an electricity supply from the substation to the top of the slope. This will be followed by similar work for water pipes and fuel lines.

Installation of a ground source heat pump has also commenced after a small delay. Once this is done, the southern part of the site can at last be properly filled and graded.

During the final days, the beach to the south will be tidied up and graded back to level, leaving a path for crew to be able to safely access the existing boathouse. The beach to the north will be be tidied up and any damaged or displaced gabions under or near the ALB ramp suitably repaired or replaced.