British rowing has received a boost with the official opening of the £13m Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake and Sherriff Boathouse.

The lake has been developed by the Caversham Lakes Trust, in partnership with David Sherriff, Sport England and the Amateur Rowing Association (ARA).

Sherriff, the benefactor of the site and owner of a 300-berth marina on the lake – in Caversham, near Reading – has worked towards establishing an elite facility for rowers for more than 20 years.

The lake has been leased to the ARA for use as an elite training facility, and will host around 50 rowers on a daily basis between October and July.

Oxford University Boat Club has also been covenanted free access to the facilities.

Land and funding has also been allocated for a new ecological management plan, with specially designed islands and nature reserve areas for waterfowl. Details: www.oara-rowing.org