Yare Boat Club

This project is part of a multi-stage programme designed to improve and expand the existing rowing facilities at Yare Boat Club. The GNGB provided £80,000 towards the first stage: the provision of a new, light-weight boatshed to house all current club and member-owned boats that are currently held on site. This new storage will prevent degradation to the fleet caused by exposure to the elements. The new boatshed is large enough to allow for continued expansion of the club (thus providing the potential for significant community benefit) and will increase the lifespan of the fleet.

The completion of this project will enable the volunteer-run club to proactively take their sport out to the local community; encouraging and enabling participation whilst specifically targeting younger people (18-25), and those from within the local lower socio-economic communities who would not typically access the sport. The creation of this indoor area means that the club now has space for training, and socialising after an outing on the water.

This project was supported by the GNGB due to the significant community benefit for the residents of Greater Norwich by driving participation in recreational activities. The project itself was supported by British Rowing, and a significant evidence base was provided to demonstrate that the club is affordable and accessible relative to other sports clubs in the area.

The following stages of the programme will be delivered by the boat club in the future:

• Stage Two: Two new changing rooms, three toilets, two showers, heating for changing rooms, new waste water treatment plant, 24 solar panels, Tesla Powerwall
• Stage Three: Provision of training and social area, kitchenette, adjustments to boat house frontage (doors and windows), new lighting to meet needs.