The Lady Margaret Boat Club: The Bicentenary Boathouse Redevelopment

Securing a Legacy of Excellence

As one of the most active and historic rowing clubs on the River Cam, the Lady Margaret Boat Club (LMBC) has been synonymous with success for two centuries. It is at the heart of St John's sporting community, with around 100 students taking part in rowing each year. To maintain our reputation for excellence and to support the next generation of rowers, we must provide a training facility that meets the high standards of our athletes.

The boathouse was last renovated 25 years ago, and in recent years the LMBC has faced increasing pressure on its facilities. With up to 13 eights training out of the boathouse (including Robinson College crews), the current 16 ergs are insufficient to meet the needs of our athletes. The impact of climate change, resulting in more frequent high winds and dangerous river conditions, has made indoor training essential. Without this renovation, our ability to provide effective training in all conditions will be severely compromised.

By supporting the Bicentenary Appeal you will help transform the boathouse, allowing us to adapt the LMBC's facilities to the demands of modern rowing while respecting our iconic heritage. This ambitious proposal, developed in consultation with current members, coaches, College staff, and alumni, represents a vital investment in our athletes, ensuring they continue to reach their full potential both on and off the water.

Overview

The aim is clear: to create a more functional, future-proofed boathouse that enhances athletic performance, supports year-round training, and strengthens camaraderie among our teams. By maximizing the use of the existing boathouse footprint, we will unlock its potential as a hub for excellence in rowing.

The planned renovation will focus on practical improvements that directly enhance LMBC's rowing programme:

Expanded Erg Space:

Ergs are essential for both fitness and technique training, providing a reliable alternative during poor weather. By increasing erg capacity to 24 machines, we plan to allow three crews to train simultaneously; a much-needed expansion. The space will be positioned in the central room overlooking the river, fostering motivation and supporting one-to-one coaching.

Improved Lighting and Ventilation:

By replacing the front wall of the boathouse with sliding glass doors, we will increase the natural light available to our rowers and increase airflow throughout the boathouse, reducing our current reliance on electric fans. This eco-friendly solution is designed to improve health and comfort while enhancing the iconic boathouse façade.

Optimized Weight Training Facilities:

Relocating the weights room to an extended annex will create a dedicated stretching area, minimizing disruptions to other activities. The updated layout will enable multiple activities to occur simultaneously, increasing the functionality of the space.

Reconfiguring Underutilized Areas:

Spaces such as the cox room, drying rooms, and stairways will be transformed into functional training and storage areas. The relocation of storage and equipment rooms will maximize usability and improve the overall flow of the facility.

Additional Features (Funding-Dependent):

• Reconfiguring the standalone store to increase boat capacity and improve protection from the elements.
• Installing low/zero-carbon heating and hot water systems.
• Renovation of the Captains' Room and associated AV equipment for improved coaching analysis of crew videos.

Benefits to Students at St John's

An investment in the boathouse is an investment in our student community. Rowing offers significant health benefits, improving fitness, strength, and resilience, while providing stress relief and fostering discipline for students balancing academic pressures. It hones important soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership and communication, which translate into academic and professional contexts. At a College level, the LMBC fosters a strong sense of community, uniting Johnians from diverse backgrounds and supporting lifelong friendships; the LMBC's network of alumni and supporters only strengthen this sense of belonging.

These renovations will create a state-of-the-art training environment that supports our rowers in achieving their full potential. The key benefits include:

• Year-round access to high-quality training facilities, regardless of weather conditions.
• Increased capacity for simultaneous crew training, reducing scheduling conflicts.
• Improved health, comfort, and functionality for all members.
• A stronger sense of camaraderie and unity, as teams share improved facilities.

Your Role in Our Success

This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of LMBC, and there has never been a better time to give. Every donation received before and during Giving Day is matched by a generous Johnian, up to a maximum of £100,000 - doubling the value and impact of your gift. Every contribution makes a difference and directly supports athletes who represent the very best of Cambridge rowing.

Please consider making a donation today. Together, we can ensure that LMBC continues to inspire, compete, and excel at the highest levels for another 200 years.