Expansion Plans - Looking to the future with confidence

Manvers Waterfront Boat Club now has over 2,000 members and with National and Regional Events restarting, we are bursting at the seams. We are excited to announce that we have applied to Rotherham Council for planning permission to add an additional ground floor bay to the boathouse annex for the storage of Canoe, Kayaks, Dragon Boats, Stand up Paddle boards [SUP] and Windsurfers.

The £300,000 scheme also includes the conversion of space above the boat store into a multisport club room and storage. To be accessed from the lake side by an enclosed external lift, stair case and balcony.

Chris. Hawkesworth, President of the Club and Chair of the charity trustees said this week.
“We are really pleased to feel able to add additional space for both our members and the public. We operate 365 days a year, dawn till dusk and beyond. Our members range from Olympic aspirants to beginners, and under our “Team Manvers” banner we compete in land and water events all over the world. However, our home base, now recognised as a centre of excellence needs to be equipped to the latest modern standards for coaching, training, practice and casual participation”.

“In addition, all 3 blue light emergency services use our facilities for training and want to expand their use. The Club also hosts Tai Chi and other martial arts. We are Adventure Activities Licenced by the Health and Safety Inspectorate to facilitate children’s sport and recreation and this enhances our educational offer and reinforces our partnership with Dearne Valley College”.

“I see this as a win, win for the area, vindication of the 1990’s policy of regeneration of the former mine and railway workings of Manvers Main and Wath Coking works that used to occupy the site.

Chris went on to say.
“I am extremely proud of what we are achieving. We have received over £100,000 in donations from public, private, other charities and various not for profit organisations already. We are backed by Sport England, the Environment Agency, South Yorkshire Sport, Dearne Valley College, Sheffield Hallam University, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue to name but a few. I am sure we will get there with the money to enable a build later in this coming winter”.1

Trevor Coldron ­– Site Supervisor said
“As a local resident, I think this will not only be of huge benefit to the Club but also the local community”.

Mark Benton – Club Chair said
“I never thought for one moment that the club would attract so many members. The limited storage space is starting to restrict the activities that can take place, as we have limited space to store equipment.
We hope that the large room above the boat store will enable the club to improve the range of training available to members throughout the year”.

Chris Wordsworth - Technical and Commercial Manager said
“This exciting project will give addition of extra space and will enable the club to continue to expand. The extra rooms will be also used in conjunction with local partnerships to help support local activities.
Additional winter activities will be achieved throughout the winter periods to help support and promote the Club”.