West Boathouse Project

West Boathouse Project

The Rejuvenation of the West Boathouse

The Rejuvenation of the West Boathouse Project aims to open up the River Clyde to all by removing barriers in order to enjoy and share the social, physical and psychological benefits of being part of a diverse river community.

Credit: Rosie Cunningham

Glasgow Building Preservation Trust is delivering this HLF funded project to adapt and repair the timber frame clubhouses into a shared and accessible boathouse, delivering activities to support public access to the listed building, the River Clyde and its environmental corridor. You can find out more about GBPT here.

With support from our volunteers, this project will deliver strong community benefits through opening access to the building and the river Clyde, providing:  

  • Activities to support greater use of the river corridor
  • Removal of barriers and supporting wider access to the river
  • Volunteer training, placements and skills development
  • Flexible, multi-functional spaces available for use by community groups
  • Improve inclusion, health, well-being, skills, and confidence for users
  • Interpretation of the built, sporting and natural heritage of the site
  • A new lease of life for a category B listed building

Further information about this project will be available at www.westboathouse.org.uk

How You Can Help

Volunteering

Volunteers are integral to the success of the project. There are several workstreams attached to the project in which you can help the club as a volunteer, including:

  • Development of our equality, diversity, and inclusion outreach work
  • Supporting club coaches with rowing taster sessions
  • Documentation and celebration of the history of the club
  • Building our ‘citizen science’ river access initiatives
  • Building club connections with community organisations
  • Tell us your ideas!
Donations

Clydesdale ARC has committed to raising £150k which will go towards the assignation of a long-term lease to the clubs on completion of the capital works.

Just like in 1906, we are doing what we can to help ourselves. To date, our club members have raised over £100k  and are working to secure our future on Glasgow Green.

We are seeking donations to help us reach our target.  To date, 61 individuals have contributed £500 or more.  These donors have been recognised as FOUNDATION FELLOWS and their names will be recorded in a Roll of Honour in the completed building.  Where eligible, Gift Aid claimed will contribute to the fundraising target.

If you would like to make a contribution to the Clydesdale appeal, please contact treasurer@clydesdalearc.org.uk or president@clydesdalearc.org.uk.

Credit: Alisdair Woodburn

Feasibility Study

In 2015, Clydesdale ARC secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Architectural Heritage Fund to undertake a Feasibility Study into the Heritage of the West Boathouse.

A summary of the feasibility study can be downloaded here: Feasibility Study Summary April 2016.  The outcomes of the Study have directed how we hope this project will develop and we are grateful to the funders for their support.

Development Context

Clydesdale ARC worked with our neighbour clubs on Glasgow Green since 1998 to secure the future of rowing in Glasgow, with the Glasgow Boathouse and Rowing Trust (Boathouse Trust) and latterly through the Glasgow Green Community Boathouse Ltd (GGCB).  A summary of this context can be found here: Development Context.

The re-direction to focus on the West Boathouse was welcomed by the membership and that was evidenced by the level of their engagement and enthusiasm in the Feasibility Study.