Construction completed on landmark RNLI boathouse in Pwllheli

11-Dec-2020

Wynne Construction has completed a new boathouse for the RNLI in Pwllheli, Gwynedd.
We were awarded the £2.4m contract to build the new boathouse in September 2019.

The new building is located on the opposite bank of the marina to the present boathouse and provides improved facilities for the volunteer crew. The boathouse also includes a souvenir outlet and a public viewing area for the lifeboat.

The building features a curved copper roof and the contractor has incorporated as many local and sustainable materials as possible, including local timber boarding and stonework. The facility is fitted with ground source heating to heat water, and PV panels on the roof to generate electricity for lighting.

Steve Davies, contracts manager at Wynne Construction, said: “It’s been fantastic to watch this much-needed scheme develop. The team on site have really enjoyed delivering this project knowing the impact it will have on saving lives. In addition, everyone has adapted very well to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions and still ensure a high-quality build while minimising disruption to the programme of delivery.”

The work was completed thanks to a £2.8m donation in the legacy of Richard Colton, who left the RNLI two rare Ferraris. Both cars were sold at auction, raising more than £8.5M.

Clive Moore, Coxswain at Pwllheli and architect of the new boathouse said: “We are a small Welsh station and the move to the new building and site will mark a significant period in the history of the station. I have a keen interest in classic cars and I find it remarkable and very humbling that a gentleman who had no seafaring connection should have the desire to support the RNLI through the sale of his treasured cars, and that we should now benefit at Pwllheli as a consequence of his generosity.”

The facility is dominated by the main boat hall which houses the Shannon class lifeboat. With its vaulted timber ceiling and natural light, it provides spectacular views of Cardigan Bay and Cambrian mountains in the distance.

It marks the latest RNLI project for Wynne Construction, which delivered the new RNLI Llandudno Lifeboat Station in 2017. The development won the RICS Awards 2018 for Infrastructure and was a National Finalist in the 2018 Local Authority Building Control Awards for Best Small Commercial Project.

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