The building project to convert Ferry View House into Dart RNLI’s new purpose-built lifeboat station, will begin in July.

Site fencing has been erected by the appointed contractors, Nevada Construction based in Teignmouth.

The project will see Ferry View House, the original lifeboat station in the 1800s, converted into a purpose-built station with modern facilities for Dart RNLI’s current volunteer crew.

The works will involve demolishing the existing single-storey lean-to structure and building a two-storey extension on a similar footprint.

The first floor within the main building, and the roof, will be raised to allow for the safe manoeuvrability of the D-class lifeboat within the boathouse below.

The new station will provide modern facilities for the crew to cement the RNLI’s future in Dartmouth and the Dart Estuary for years to come.

The building work is scheduled to begin on July 8 and will take approximately 12 months to complete.

Peter Morgan, RNLI Regional Estates Manager for the South West, said: “We’re delighted to see the preparation work begin, ahead of the project starting in a few weeks time.

“The site fencing has been put up, and other enabling works, such as setting up the site welfare facilities, are also taking place in the run up to our start date of July 8.

“We’re very grateful for the ongoing support of the local community, particularly the residents who live near the build site, and look forward to seeing the project start in earnest next month.”

Richard Towl, Director of Nevada Construction Limited said: “As a contractor based on the south coast of Devon, we are delighted to be able to work with the RNLI, and to bring the original station building back to life.

“Whilst delivering this amazing new facility for the crew of the service, we are hoping that our commitment to supporting our communities, and to the relationships with our local supply chain, will be able to deliver additional social value for the area.”

The fundraising appeal to raise £1.2 million for the project, is still running, and has just passed the halfway mark, with £600,000 already raised.

There are plenty of opportunities to support the appeal this summer, including a flag day on July 25, a summer fete on August 8 and a curry evening on 21 September 21.

Throughout the summer the Dartmouth RNLI visitor centre will be open to welcome visitors to learn more about the charity’s lifesaving work. Attractions at the centre include a D class lifeboat, where visitors can dress up in lifeboat operations gear and climb into the lifeboat, and a large screen where people can watch real-life RNLI rescue footage.

There is also an RNLI shop which stocks a range of unique souvenirs and gifts including homeware, clothing, keyrings, and toys, all to raise vital funds to save lives.

The visitor centre is open until October 30, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm, subject to volunteer availability.