Plans to build a new University boathouse in Ely have been submitted. The new development would provide training facilities for Cambridge University Boat Club, Cambridge University Women’s Boat Club and Cambridge University Lightweight Rowing Club. The decision over whether to authorise the plans now rests with East Cambridgeshire District Council, whose verdict could be announced within eight weeks.

The design consists of a ‘dry boathouse’ with a weights room, changing rooms, crew rest areas and ergo rooms, as well as space for five boat bays. A separate ‘wet boathouse’ would be built for storage of coaching launches, while the plans also include. four dormitories, which could be used for occasional training camps. In addition, there would be a workshop attached for repairs and maintenance. The proposed boathouse would be built at Fore Mill Wash, on the eastern edge of Ely.

For the women’s boat clubs, the prospect of a new University boathouse would have an extremely positive impact on their training. Melissa Wilson, a second year rower with CUWBC, said the new boathouse would be “a particular leap up in the quality of the women's facilities. At the moment we boat from what is essentially a shed attached to a local school's boathouse, there just isn't space at the moment.” 

“This year the women have been doing their Cambridge-based land training in Goldie boathouse, which in previous years has solely been the domain of the male athletes. I think its led to a shift in attitude and focus on the women's side, and the prospect of sharing an Ely boathouse as well will hopefully only extend this effect.” 

There is a key focus on the sustainability of the development. Ewan Pearson, chairman of the project, said the site would include “a new lagoon at the east of the site, dug to river bed level, with reed beds and other vegetation to provide a safe and suitable habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. Among other steps, this would reduce the environmental impact of the new facility.”

Additionally, it is expected that a significant proportion of the energy will be able to be generated on site from ground source heat humps, a biomass boiler and photo-voltaic cells.

As well as providing all three University clubs with a new training base, local rowing clubs and residents are expected to benefit. “It is anticipated that local rowing and the Ely community would also benefit from this exciting project, with a new site for local rowing, improved footpaths, and safer parking and access” said Mr Pearson.

Meanwhile, Gonville and Caius has already been granted planning permission to replace its 134-year-old boathouse.

The new boathouse will have expanded storage for boats and gym equipment. Caius Boat Club Captain, Gordon Beck, explained: “this is necessary given the recent expansion in the size of the club, and the amount of equipment necessary to run a successful boat club in the 21stcentury.”

This approval has been long-awaited by Caius, after rejection of a similar proposal in 2011 due to concerns about demolition of the original boathouse.Domestic bursar of Gonville and Caius, Alan Jermy, described it as a “difficult application” but praised consultants Beacon Planning for the successful outcome.

The college said they would like to “retain the original boathouse. It is proud of its history as one of the oldest Cambridge college crews and its alumni have fond memories of the building. Original plans proposed its retention, but it was quickly proved that this was simply not compatible with making the building fit for purpose”.

The original boathouse was built in 1879 and designed by William Fawcett, architect of the old Cavendish laboratory and Hughes Hall.

“The current Caius Boathouse was built at a time when there were no women at the club and so current changing facilities for the women are inadequate,” said Gordon Beck. Caius will also be one of the first boathouses on the river Cam to have facilities for disabled students who may wish to become involved in rowing.”

Although it will cover the same area and have a similar frontage and character as the original, the building will have an extended first floor as well as a weather vane and a clock tower. It has been designed by Cambridge architects Bland, Brown + Cole. Work is due to begin later this year.

Gordon Beck said: “This expansion will also allow Caius to build on its recently developed relationships with local schools and clubs through Rob Roy Boat Club, as well as local businesses such as Deloitte, and provide better facilities not just for Caius students but also members of the wider Cambridge public who are interested in rowing.”