News: Boathouse officially opened at Waterfront development

Local MP John Healey has officially opened the boathouse at Manvers Waterfront Boat Club at the Waterfront development in the Dearne Valley, Rotherham.

It is part of a massive regeneration project around the 49 acre lake which includes 450 homes, business park, hotel, retail outlets and neighbourhood facilities.

Developers TCN UK provided a 3,600 sq ft boathouse for the club, which operates flat water canoeing to Olympic standard, sailing, dragon boating, model boating as well as coarse angling. TCN's contribution is part of a £4m commitment the company has made to developing the Waterfront's leisure facilities, which also include a golf course, driving range and golf club house. Sport England also provided £106,0000 worth of funding for the Canoe Club project.

The clubhouse draws energy from loops placed in the lake in an innovative method that makes the best use of natural resources, with a very high recovery of energy.

John Healey said: "Manvers lake is fast becoming a hub of sporting activity in the area. There's so much going on there – running, swimming, canoeing, windsurfing, cycling.

"The events that have been held there so far, like the Dearne Valley Triathlon, have broken new ground and been a real success and I am sure Manvers boat club is going to go from strength to strength.

"I've been closely involved since the beginning and am proud to be officially opening the boathouse. I hope local families will be encouraged to get outdoors this summer and enjoy this great facility on their doorstep."

The club currently have over 700 members and expect to attract 6,000 visitors at major events in 2011.

Manvers Waterfront Boat Club website

Images: John Healey