As part of a wider £2.5m framework with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the station will be fit to house the new, state of the art Shannon-class lifeboat, developed to save more lives at sea.
The new Shannon-class lifeboat and re-building of Pwllheli Lifeboat Station will allow the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) reach 90% of all casualties within 10 nautical miles of the coast within 30 minutes of launch in all-weathers.
As the current station is unable to facilitate the new lifeboat, WSP is providing structural, civil, ground risk and mechanical & electrical services to build a new boathouse and launch ramp on a new site in Pwllheli. WSP is also leading on all investigations for the new facility including planning application, visual intrusions, ground and noise surveys.
An experienced ecologist will supervise all site activities including the removal of nearby vegetation, to minimise the risk of harming local wildlife such as the hedgehog and reptile population. This phase of the project will also be carefully planned and executed to avoid disturbing birds during the nesting season.
Additionally, the team has ensured major considerations are taken to achieve a carbon neutral building through the use of sustainably sourced materials and renewable energy technology for heat and power. A ground source system will cater for the building’s main heating requirements, whilst solar panels will be placed on the roof’s south side to provide electricity.
Brian Hillman, WSP technical director - Buildings, Maritime & Historic commented: “We’re delighted to be assisting the RNLI in carrying out such a critical project to the local area. As the only safe harbour in the north Cardigan Bay region, it’s vital these works are done to provide a facility that is capable of supporting the RNLI’s lifesaving requirements.
“Whilst safety of the people remains the priority, our design will enable the building to embrace the latest technology and renewable energy, assisting in achieving a carbon neutral development to help the community long into the future.”
Teams from WSP’s Manchester, Fareham and Southampton offices will collaborate on the project, which is expected to start in May 2019 and culminate in September 2020.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
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About WSP:
WSP is one of the world's leading engineering professional services consulting firms. We are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower. We are technical experts and strategic advisors including engineers, technicians, scientists, architects, planners, surveyors and environmental specialists, as well as other design, program and construction management professionals. We design lasting solutions in the Property & Buildings, Transportation & Infrastructure, Environment, Industry, Resources (including Mining and Oil & Gas) and Power & Energy sectors as well as project delivery and strategic consulting services.
With 7,800 talented people in the UK and more than 43,600 globally, we engineer projects that will help societies grow for lifetimes to come. WSP has been involved in many high profile UK projects including the Shard, Crossrail, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Manchester Metrolink, M1 Smart Motorway, the re-development of London Bridge Station, and the London Olympic & Paralympic Route Network. www.wsp.com/uk
About RNLI:
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 238 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen and Lough Ree. Additionally, the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 240 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.
The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.