4th September 2008

Great news!  Following a long period of discussion and consultation, the club and Elmbridge Borough Council have agreed the terms of the lease for a substantial portion of the land adjoining the club’s western boundary (see map), and are now signing an agreement giving us three years to take up the lease. 

The signing of this agreement marks a major milestone in our planning process.  Identification of funding can now start in earnest, hopefully allowing the start of this project in time for the next Olympics.

If we do decide to take up the lease in the next three years then we’ll be required complete the work included in the planning permission that was approved in 2006. This includes fencing the new boundary, erecting boat racks, and building a new covered boat store and rowing/sculling tank.  In addition to this we are looking in detail at several additional projects to improve the club including an extension to the gym, new women’s changing rooms, expanded men’s changing rooms, a social/conference area, a crew room and a physio suite.

There’s no financial commitment to the club at this stage - If after three years we find the project isn’t possible then the agreement will expire without penalty.  However hopefully this won’t be the case, and within the next three years we’ll have taken up the lease itself and be on our way to building a bigger, better club for all our members and the Elmbridge community.

The next members’ consultative meeting will be on October 2nd at the club at 9 p.m, after rowing.  Come along, hear more, and voice your opinions – we’re very keen for your input on this exciting opportunity.

Ted Bates
Richard Hopkirk
Ian McNuff