Work will start on Monday (October 21) on extending Sidmouth Lifeboat Station to include a new boat shed and watchtower.

Plans were approved by district council planning officers in June, and work to build a two-story extension to the east of the Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat station will start on October 21.

Once complete, the station will have improved response time for Sea rider launch, Improved training facilities for crew, a larger capacity area for essential crew kit to be stored, with drying facilities to ensure kit longevity, enhanced circulation for faster, safer movement during emergencies

A dedicated casualty treatment area that can be decontaminated if necessary and private changing areas for the crew.

An integrated accessible WC/ Shower Room to support volunteer recruitment

An office upstairs for dealing with sensitive situations, i.e. police during call-outs or crew wellbeing matters.

• Improved public-facing areas, including the Arctic Lifeboat Viewing Gallery

• Improve thermal building elements through sustainable methods

Read more: Sidmouth lifeboat extension approved by East Devon planners.

One of their boats, the Sea Rider, Sidmouth 2 (“Speedy Sid”) was stored in a garage behind the station. 

Sidmouth Lifeboat says that the extension will enable all lifesaving assets to be housed under one roof.

A competitive tender process has been carried out and local contractor Skinner Construction Ltd has been appointed.

Skinner was selected due to the team’s extensive experience and demonstrated quality of work.

Naomi Cook, secretary and trustee of Sidmouth Lifeboat said: “This idea was sparked through conversations with Sidmouth Sailing Club and Sidmouth Watersports Hub regarding the regeneration of the Port Royal area.

"Between the organisations we have been working together to support each other in all our future endeavours.

"The build project officially started two years ago when Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat met Dani, Steve and Priyanka from Studio Four Architects, who had impressive experience designing other lifeboat stations.

"With their knowledge, vision and direct inclusion of the volunteers, Studio Four Architects has produced a fantastic design which matched the Lifeboat’s needs."

Steve Robinson, Director and Architect, Studio Four Architects said: “For the last 12 months, we have moved to the more detailed design phase and the team grew to include structureHaus (Structural Engineer), Ingleton Wood (Mechanical & Electrical Engineers) and Tim Orchard (Quantity Surveyor).

“Now we are moving into the build phase and have appointed Skinner Construction. We are pleased to be working with a prominent local company, with a proven track record, to really make Sidmouth proud of what can be achieved within the local community.

"We would like to thank the Sidmouth Watersports Hub and Sidmouth Sailing Club who have been working with us to make this happen, and to locals and visitors for their continued support.”

Dani Tucker, architect, Studio Four Architects, said: “It has been fantastic working with Naomi, Phil and the crew and support staff at Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat throughout the design process.

"Their invaluable insights have been instrumental in shaping a building that will meet their lifesaving requirements for many years to come.

"The Design Team are excited to begin the construction stage, and are proud to play a part in the improvement of the existing facility so that it can continue to serve as a vital asset to the local and wider community.”

Lloyd Soper, Managing Director at Skinner Construction Limited said: “Skinner Construction was born in the town of Sidmouth, and has served the town and its East Devon neighbours for over 100 years.

"It is a privilege for us to have the responsibility for the delivery of the extension to Sidmouth Lifeboat Station, ensuring its future as a vital service to the town of Sidmouth and surrounding East Devon shoreline.”