The Waterloo Pontoon was originally constructed during the 1880’s as a ‘floating’ Metropolitan Police Station and continued in use until 2002 serving the Thames River Division with the last ‘major refit’ being undertaken during the 1950’s. The main pontoon section is of riveted wrought iron with a bitumastic type flexible coating for corrosion resistance. The superstructure is of timber construction with an external vertical cladding with a painted finish. The roof is pitched and clad in felt.

Our instructions were to undertake a Feasibility Study to assess the potential suitability as an R.N.L.I. Thames Lifeboat facility with live aboard capability incorporating sleeping accommodation, kitchen and leisure facilities and including a small gymnasium.

Streetwise Safety Centre - This was a collaboration between Dorset Police, Dorset Fire & Rescue and the Borough of Bournemouth and Borough of Poole resulting in an Interactive Safety Centre in the style of a fully functioning ‘village’ and beach.

Set within a large industrial unit on the outskirts of Poole,the aim was to create a safe environment where people could discover how to keep safe and what to do in an emergency, learn about accident prevention both at home and on the roads, responsible behaviour and good citizenship in an exciting and memorable way. Schools in particularhave found Streetwise to be a invaluable learning tool.

Ellis Belk Associates Limited involvement started with the production ofcutting edge computer generated 3D images and ‘walk throughs’ to attract the attention of the sponsors and continued with the design and project management to co-ordinate the large number of volunteers, organisations and local companies who were involved in the construction.Our involvement with Streetwise continues on a voluntary basis and we still retain an ‘office’ on the first floor above the shops.For more information regarding Streetwise, visit their website at: www.streetwise.org.uk or contact the Centre Manager, Mrs Alison Curtis on 01202 591330.