A former RNLI lifeboat building at the South Gare, Redcar, looks set to get a new lease of life following talks between PD Ports and a local ward councillor.
The South Gare site was formerly the home of the Teesmouth lifeboat station from 1914 but was closed in 2006 when the RNLI determined there was enough cover at Tees bay and no further operational benefit for a lifeboat was needed at this location. Now the building is set to be reopened for community interests and groups are invited to submit expressions of interest.
A new lease of life
Councillor Carl Quartermain, of Coatham Ward said he had long wanted to get this building back in use and had raised this casually over the years with PD Ports. Over the past few months though discussions have taken a more meaningful turn and an agreement to reopen the building, has been reached with the port authority.
In his online blog Councillor Quartermain wrote:
“I have been working with PD Ports to gain access for community purposes, to the former lifeboat building at the South Gare. This building has been empty for nearly seventeen years and has the potential to be used for multiple community purposes.
“I am very excited to announce that this facility, that was closed in 2006, has now been agreed as a lease opportunity, particularly for local community interest groups with a marine focus.
“However, my wish is that this facility can also be used by multiple groups for a wide variety of purposes. Therefore all groups should consider how they might benefit from the location of this facility.
“Community groups with a proposal for river or marine-based activities who believe they could benefit from the use of the building should register their interest by contacting Kathryn Watson, Property Manager at PD Ports, on 01642 877042.”
Councillor Quartermain’s blog can be viewed here.
