Demolition of Selsey RNLI lifeboat station
Project overview
Following the completion of a new RNLI lifeboat station at Selsey, the original station and access jetty on the West Sussex coastline became redundant and required safe removal.
Working alongside Mackley, we provided specialist marine demolition expertise to support the dismantling and removal of the structure from a challenging coastal environment.
Project overview
Delivered over four weeks, this £182,000 project involved the demolition and removal of the former RNLI lifeboat station and its associated structure.
Located directly offshore and only accessible from the water, the works required a specialist marine approach. A jack-up barge supplied by Herbosch-Kiere was mobilised to provide a stable working platform, allowing demolition activities to be carried out safely within the tidal environment.
Specialist marine demolition
The demolition was undertaken using our own fleet of specialist plant, including a Hyundai 800 LC-9 and Kobelco SK210 LC-9 excavator, operating from the jack-up barge. Using a range of demolition attachments, the team carefully disassembled the structure, allowing materials to be safely removed while maintaining control throughout the demolition process. The marine location and proximity to ongoing RNLI operations required a measured approach, with safety and coordination remaining central throughout the works.
Delivering in a live coastal environment
Working in an exposed marine environment always presents additional challenges. Weather conditions, tides and sea state all had the potential to influence operations, requiring careful planning and flexibility throughout the programme. Access also needed to be maintained for RNLI activities, while consideration was given to other users of the coastline and surrounding waters. By combining specialist marine plant, experienced operators and practical delivery expertise, the demolition works were completed safely and efficiently within programme.
Specialist capability in challenging environments
Projects such as Selsey demonstrate the value of having the right equipment and expertise for complex marine works. Operating from a jack-up barge and deploying heavy demolition plant in a constrained coastal environment required careful coordination and experienced delivery teams. By self-delivering the demolition works using our own specialist fleet, we were able to safely dismantle and remove the structure while maintaining high standards of safety and operational control throughout the project.
The successful completion of the works marked the final chapter of the historic lifeboat station, helping clear the way for the next generation of RNLI facilities serving the Selsey coastline.
