Rowing training centre approved

PLANS to modernise British Rowing’s training centre in Caversham have been approved.

British Rowing submitted the plan to “improve and modernise” Sherriff’s Boathouse at the Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake and build a new boathouse on the site in the summer.

It hopes the changes will “improve and modernise” facilities for its existing athletes. The site is currently used by about 60 rowers and 20 staff daily.

Sherriff’s Boathouse, which was built in 2006 and extended in 2013, comprises changing rooms, a gym, crew room and kitchen, a boat workshop and boat store. The site also has a separate sleeping pod, a data pod and fuel store.

In its application, British Rowing said upgrades to the boathouse were needed to improve the “experience and wellbeing” of its rowers and staff.

The changes are aimed at improving accessibility, privacy and collaboration, including the creation of coaching offices, breakout spaces and a rest area.

Updates will also be made to the changing rooms, including more accessible changing rooms for women.

Reading Borough Council had previously objected over the impact on traffic flow but British Rowing said there would be no extra visitors.