THE keys to the new RNLI All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole have been handed over after the building work was completed.

It has taken more than two years from the planning stages to build the centre on West Quay Road, which will allow for the future production of the lifesaving charity’s Shannon class, all-weather lifeboats to be brought in-house.

Each year six of the vessels will be produced at the centre, with the first going into production in February and the next following about two months later as part of a rolling production cycle.

The maintenance and refit of the RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat fleet will also be carried out at the new centre, which once up and running, will save the charity £3.7 million each year.

David Brook, director of engineering and asset management at the RNLI, said: “The RNLI first started manufacturing in-shore lifeboats in Cowes on the Isle of Wight in 1963. Since then, they’ve built 1,685.

“What makes this a real milestone is that we are now a step closer to achieving the goals set out in our recently published, five-year business plan.

"They included making progress towards a 50 per cent reduction in drowning in the UK and RoI.

“But it’s really important that we recognise and take the opportunity to thank all the staff and volunteers who have been involved and have worked tirelessly in the delivery of the All-weather Lifeboat Centre.”

The centre will house about 225 people, including 150 production staff and around 75 office-based staff.

These include 30 members of the team who were temporarily based on work sites at Cobbs Quay, 19 people who have been recruited in phases since September 2014, and six apprentices from Bournemouth and Poole College.

Members of the public will be able to take a look around the new All-weather Lifeboat Centre across the weekend of Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, from 10am to 5pm on both days.

Visitors can tour the new boatbuilding factory, along with the RNLI’s training facilities, consisting of the Sea Survival Centre and RNLI College; listen to talks and forums from industry experts; and there will be children’s activities.

Entry is via a £2 voluntary donation on the door. For more information, go to RNLI.org.

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