SWANAGE Sea Rowing Club’s new £350,000 boathouse will be officially opened at a ceremony attended by civic dignitaries this weekend.

Saturday’s grand opening marks the end of years of planning, campaigning and fundraising for the project.

Club chairman Martin Steeden said: “This is more than just a boathouse – it will become a ‘gateway to the sea’ for individuals and groups wanting to improve their health and wellbeing.

“In addition to sea rowing, we will run indoor fitness sessions, courses on sea safety and essential boat repair and maintenance.”

The new building, at Encombe Road, Swanage, is faced with local Purbeck stone and is set into the hillside with an environmental green roof. It will house the club’s sea gigs and provide the club with a permanent base, an indoor training area and changing facilities.

Mr Steeden said: “This is a state-of-the-art facility which we will be able to share with the local community and provide something for everyone.”

Representatives of contributors Dorset Chalk and Cheese – who donated 45 per cent of the total costs – De Moulham Trust, Valentine Charitable Trust, Talbot Village Trust, Canford Environmental, British Rowing, and Swanage Town and Purbeck District councils will be at the opening.

A club spokesman explained: “The club will now have suitable facilities that will allow it to extend its commitment to community groups, schools and young people in the area.

“It organises a variety of local and national event with the members, including social rowing, participating in the annual Thames Great River Race and racing with gigs competing at regattas across the south west with other clubs.”