Plans
for a new RNLI station on Cleethorpes Promenade on the north Lincolnshire coast will be put on display next week.

On Wednesday 8 October, 3pm-7pm, the plans will be
displayed at the current RNLI lifeboat station. Representatives of the
charity’s operations and engineering teams and members of Cleethorpes
RNLI lifeboat crew will also be on hand to answer questions and provide
more information.

The lifeboat station is needed to accommodate a new RNLI Atlantic 85 B
Class inshore lifeboat, which will increase the lifesaving capacity of
the Cleethorpes crew and will operate alongside their current, smaller D
class inshore lifeboat.

Both vessels will be housed in the proposed two-storey stone and
timber-clad building, which will have a modern, contemporary design. It
will be situated on the sea-side of Central Promenade, over the beach
and adjacent to the existing slipway.

The building will have up-to-date
training and welfare facilities for the volunteer crew, as well as a
workshop, office and a small RNLI shop.

A new boat ramp will extend from the building directly on to the
beach and new steps will also be provided adjacent to the new building
from the Promenade down to the beach.

‘A major investment’

Michael Oakes, RNLI Divisional Operations Manager, said the charity
is working closely with the council and other organisations to ensure
the new lifeboat station is an asset for Cleethorpes’ sea front.

He added: ‘This will be a major investment by the RNLI in Cleethorpes and we
hope people will come along on Wednesday 8 October to have a look at the
plans and find out more about our proposals and the work to build the
new lifeboat station, which we would like to start next year.’

The new lifeboat station is expected to cost around £1.5M while a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat costs £180,000.

The RNLI decided a new lifeboat was needed at Cleethorpes after a
review of the number, location and types of rescues being carried out in
the area found there are more RNLI call outs to medium sized yachts and
pleasure boats, which often require the towing capability of a larger
lifeboat.

Humber RNLI all-weather lifeboat is being called to more
incidents in the river, diverting its focus from seaward.

Cleethorpes lifeboat crew have always worked closely with the Humber
crew but the added capability afforded by the Atlantic 85 means they
will be able to respond more effectively, quickly and safely in the
harsh environment of the Humber estuary, and further out to sea if
required.

The lifeboat station has been designed by York
architects Brierley Groom. Plans will be submitted to North East
Lincolnshire District Council soon after the open afternoon.

Members of the public are invited to attend the open
afternoon on Wednesday 8 October, 3pm-7pm, at Cleethorpes RNLI lifeboat
station, The Promenade, Cleethorpes, DN35 8SE.

Picture: The artist’s illustration shows how Cleethorpes RNLI’s new lifeboat station will look. Credit: Brierley Groom