Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat Station Shortlisted for Prestigious RICS UK Awards
We are incredibly proud to announce that the redevelopment of Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat Station has been shortlisted in the Community Benefit category at the RICS UK Awards 2026 – South West.
This recognition reflects the outstanding collaboration behind the project, delivered by Studio Four Architects, McNaughts Quantity Surveyors, Skinner Construction, the wider project team and our volunteers, all working together to create a station that will serve the people of Sidmouth for generations to come.
The awards take place tomorrow, and we are honoured to have our project recognised alongside some exceptional developments from across the South West. Wish us luck!
The transformation of our lifeboat station was never simply about creating a new building. It was about creating a facility that allows our volunteer crews to save lives more effectively, while giving something back to the whole community.
The project brought together the extension and refurbishment of the existing station, creating a modern operational base where all of our lifesaving assets can now be housed under one roof. Previously, our Searider lifeboat (Sidmouth 2, aka “Speedy Sid”) was stored away from the station in a separate garage, adding valuable time to launches. Today, both lifeboats are ready to respond from the same location, improving efficiency when every second counts.
Inside the station, spaces have been completely reconfigured to improve the flow of crew members during emergency call-outs, while also providing purpose-built changing areas, drying facilities and storage that better support our volunteers. The station is brighter, more comfortable and designed to withstand the challenging marine environment for decades to come.
The redevelopment also places the community at its heart. Visitors can now enjoy viewing areas, learn more about our charity through the station shop, see the lifeboats through specially designed porthole windows and discover important sea safety messages. The station has become not only a lifesaving facility, but also a place of education and engagement.
Delivering the project was no small feat. Construction took place within an extremely constrained site while maintaining a fully operational lifeboat service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Careful planning, close collaboration between the design team, lifeboat personnel, contractor, East Devon District Council and neighbouring businesses ensured that the project could progress safely while minimising disruption to the thousands of people who visit Sidmouth’s seafront throughout the year.
Sustainability was also a key consideration. The station incorporates an air source heat pump, solar panels, high-performance insulation and storm-resistant windows and doors, helping to reduce running costs while creating a resilient building capable of withstanding the harsh coastal conditions.
This nomination is recognition of far more than bricks and mortar. It celebrates collaboration, thoughtful design, responsible investment of charitable funds and, most importantly, a facility that will support our volunteers in saving lives for many years to come.
Our sincere thanks go to everyone who helped make this project possible – the design team, contractors, supporters, local community and, of course, our incredible volunteer crew.
Whatever happens tomorrow evening, we are immensely proud of what has been achieved.
Thank you for your continued support, and wish us luck!