Ambitious plans for a brand new £3.5 million state-of-the-art lifeboat station on the Kent coast have been revealed by the RNLI.
The new facility in Margate, which will replace the current one next to the Turner Contemporary, comes as the existing building reaches the end of its life after almost 50 years.
There has been a formal lifeboat service station in Margate since 1860 with the current building opening in 1978 following the collapse of Margate Pier.
As part of the plans announced today, the new lifeboat station will feature upgraded training and changing facilities, purpose-built to meet the demands of a modern volunteer crew.
It will also become a shared base for the town’s seasonal RNLI lifeguards who operate on Margate main sands.
A retail area for shop volunteers and a community meeting space will also be included in the design, aiming to strengthen the station’s role as a hub for both lifesaving and local engagement.
Construction is due to begin in September, with the first step seeing the current station demolished.
To ensure no disruption to emergency operations, Margate’s RNLI volunteers will temporarily relocate to two nearby facilities.
Lifesaving coverage will continue uninterrupted, with the crew’s D class (Alfred Alexander Staden) and B class (Colonel Stock) inshore lifeboats remaining in service throughout the rebuild.
The RNLI has confirmed the building, which was granted planning permission last summer, will include solar panels and a ground source heat pump, dramatically reducing its carbon footprint and energy costs.
The structure is also expected to require no significant maintenance for the first 30 years.
Derek Amas, Margate RNLI lifeboat operations manager, said: “We are looking forward to the new station which will provide a modern, safe and warm environment for our lifesaving volunteer crew along with new facilities for our volunteers in the shop, fundraisers, lifeguards and water safety teams.
“The new station will provide us with the capability to continue saving lives on Thanet’s beaches and off the north Kent coast well into the future.
“The RNLI and all those involved with Margate RNLI are committed to providing the best lifesaving service possible to all those who live in, and visit, Margate and all those who enjoy our beautiful Kent coast.”
To help fund the project, the charity has launched a public appeal, encouraging the local community to contribute toward the cost. Donations can be made via www.rnli.org/MargateAppeal.
The RNLI is inviting the public to visit the current station to view the new plans, meet the crew and see the lifeboats up close between 10am and 12 noon on Saturday 21 June, and between 9.30am and 11.30am on Sunday 22 June.
A lifeboat launch exercise is planned for the Sunday morning, subject to operational circumstances.
