MAGES of a proposed new lifeboat station in Portishead have been unveiled.

The plans were displayed at a public meeting organised by the RNLI, which has agreed in principle to adopt the Portishead and Bristol Lifeboat.

Proposals involve the demolition of a former Masonic Lodge in Pier Road, which was once an industrial railway station, with new premises of similar design being built.

As well as housing the lifeboat, the new station would have changing rooms, toilets and room for souvenir sales, fuel and a trailer. A 65m ramp would be built to take the boat to and from the water.

The project will cost about �1million and a planning application is expected to be submitted soon.

Feedback at the consultation was largely positive, although some residents were disappointed the whole building will be demolished and that there are no intentions to re-use the original red bricks. It has also been suggested a plaque should be installed to recognise the site’s industrial heritage.

A RNLI spokesman said the site’s heritage was considered when drawing up the plans and the information collated from the consultation will also be fed back into the planning application.

If planning permission is granted, a fundraising campaign will be launched and work could start on the site as early as 2013.

The spokesman added: “This latest move still doesn’t mean we are formally adopting Portishead, but it is another step along the way towards a possible adoption in the future.”

The public can still comment on the plans by emailing feedback@rnli.org.uk