Why shipping containers have appeared on Port Isaac’s playing field

Anyone walking past the playing fields in Port Isaac lately will have noticed something new on the tarmac: a run of shipping containers, delivered and dropped into place ahead of a project that’s going to change the village’s lifeboat station for months to come.

What’s happening, and when

Port Isaac RNLI has confirmed that improvement works at the lifeboat station, along with the associated shop and crew facilities, are due to begin towards the end of September or the start of October. Completion is anticipated by the end of March.

Throughout the build, the station has to keep doing what it’s there for. The crew need to stay fully operational and ready to respond whenever a call comes in, whatever else is going on around them.

Why the containers are there

That’s where the containers on the tarmac area next to the playing fields come in. They’ve now all been delivered and put in place, giving the RNLI crew a temporary home for the duration of the works.

Between them, the containers will provide accommodation for the lifeboat, tractor and trailer, an operational room and crew welfare area, changing and drying facilities for personal protective equipment, extra storage, and toilet and shower facilities. The only thing left to finish before the temporary set-up is fully operational is connecting power and water.

A different look for the playing fields, for now

Over the coming weeks the temporary facility area will be fenced off as the site is prepared for full use. The station has acknowledged that this will change the appearance and use of the area for a period, and has thanked the community in advance for its patience and understanding.

Once everything is connected, the arrangement means the volunteer crew can carry on training, maintaining their equipment, and staying ready to launch, without a gap in cover while the main station is rebuilt.

Getting in touch

Port Isaac RNLI says its priority throughout the project remains the same as ever: saving lives at sea, while keeping a safe and effective environment for the volunteer crew who do it. Anyone with questions, concerns, or who’d simply like to talk through the plans, can contact the station at [email protected].

📷Credit: Port Isaac RNLI