An RNLI crew has moved into a new “state-of-the-art” building, which was first used as a lifeboat station in the 1800s.

Dart RNLI said its D class lifeboat was now housed in the purpose-built boathall with the station, based in Dartmouth, Devon, operational.

The charity said the building had undergone extensive renovation and included a first floor open space for crew training, an office and a purpose-built changing area for crew.

The restoration project was funded from multiple sources, including a £1.2m local fundraising appeal.

Yorkie Lomas, volunteer lifeboat operations manager at Dart RNLI, said the team was delighted to be moved in just before the Christmas period.

“The new space will make a huge difference to our volunteers – we now have a suitable space to debrief following a shout, a well-equipped crew room for shore-based training and meetings, storage solutions to protect and preserve our kit, and an appropriate space for our crews to change.

“We’d like to thank everybody who has played their part in this project, from the volunteers here at Dart, to the contractors, and most importantly all those who have donated money and supported us to enable this project to reach completion.”

Bob Tranckle, director of contractors Nevada Construction, said: ‘We are proud to have supported the RNLI in delivering the new lifeboat station at Ferry View House in Dartmouth, a historic building in a highly sensitive waterfront location.”

He said it had been “a pleasure to support them on a project of such value and purpose” and the team hoped “the Dart crew enjoy this fantastic new facility”.

The previous station at Coronation Park is due to be handed back to the town council at the end of the month.