We are proud to have been appointed to lead the transformation of Ferry View House for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). This exciting project balances the preservation of the building’s historical significance with the need to provide modern, purpose-built facilities. Situated along the Dartmouth coast, this redevelopment will equip the RNLI with a facility that enhances operational efficiency, supporting their crucial life-saving efforts for years to come.
A Modern Station with Historic Roots
Our work at Ferry View House involves the careful demolition of an existing single-storey structure to make way for a new two-storey extension, a critical upgrade to the original building. The raised roof design will accommodate the D-class lifeboat, enabling safe housing and manoeuvrability and creating better facilities for the volunteer crew. This updated infrastructure not only respects the building’s legacy but ensures that the RNLI’s team can carry out its lifesaving missions with improved resources and safety.
Respecting the Community and Preserving Heritage
Recognising the local importance of this project, Nevada Construction is committed to engaging with the community throughout the construction process. Our site setup reflects this: a section of the original boundary wall was sensitively removed to enable safe access for machinery and material transport. The iconic bright yellow cabins situated within the grounds provide essential welfare and office spaces, ensuring our compliance with modern construction standards and offering the crew a dependable, structured site environment.
We’ve taken great care to retain original materials during deconstruction. Stone, slate, and the original roof finial have been preserved for reuse within the new structure, a detail that resonates with the RNLI’s respect for heritage. The retained materials will be integrated thoughtfully, linking the new build with its rich past.
Recent Progress and Next Steps
Since commencement, we’ve completed the deconstruction of the old garage and boathouse, with the groundwork now well underway.
Key steps so far include:
- Ground Excavations – Forming a stable base for the heavy plant machinery required for the next stages.
- Piling Installation – Seven-metre deep piles with reinforced steel sleeving have been drilled and reinforced to support the new structure.
- Oversite Excavation – Setting in ground beams and reinforcing to support the soon-to-be-constructed structural steel frame.
- Stabilisation Measures – A reinforced concrete ring beam has been constructed to stabilise existing walls integrated into the new build.
Looking ahead, our team will soon begin installing the structural steel framing, laying concrete for the new boathouse, and implementing radon sumps and drainage systems.
Stay Tuned for Updates
We are proud to be leading a project that supports the RNLI’s commitment to public safety along the Dartmouth coast. We look forward to sharing updates on our progress as we achieve key milestones in this transformative redevelopment.