Pangbourne College marks the groundbreaking of a new Boathouse

A new chapter in Pangbourne College’s 70-year rowing story began on Wednesday 30 September, as the College marked the groundbreaking of a new Boathouse on the banks of the River Thames.

Made possible by the extraordinary generosity of the Pangbournian Community, £2.1 million has now been committed by donors towards the project – a remarkable fundraising achievement and a powerful demonstration of the enduring connection between Pangbourne, its rowing community and the generations of families and Old Pangbournians who continue to support the College.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together current rowers and their parents, donors, Old Pangbournians, coaches and representatives from the teams delivering the project. It was also a unique opportunity to bring together generations of Pangbournian rowers, from today's pupils to some of the College's most distinguished former crews.

Among those attending were Old Pangbournian and ocean rower Peter Lowe, OP and Olympic rower Toby Garbett, Assistant Director of Rowing and Olympic gold medallist Harry Brightmore and OP Jim Bryce, whose son has now won four rowing gold medals.

Members of two historic Henley crews were also represented. Antony Sainthill and Jeremy Rind, members of the 1962 crew that reached the final of the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta, joined Julian Coles, Rob Hamilton and Garth (Malcolm) McDonald, members of the legendary 1963 crew – the first Pangbourne crew to win the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup.

Together, they represented seven decades of Pangbourne Rowing and the generations of athletes, coaches, families and supporters who have helped build its remarkable story.

A 70-year rowing legacy

Pangbourne Rowing dates back to 1955 and has since produced GB rowers, Olympians and World Champions, alongside pioneering ocean rowers and  crews that have enjoyed outstanding success at Henley Royal Regatta.

Pangbourne crews have won the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup four times, creating a proud tradition of excellence that the new Boathouse will both celebrate and build upon.

The new facility, due to open later in 2027, will provide a new home for Pangbourne Rowing on one of the finest stretches of rowing river on the Thames.

It has been designed around the practical needs of the Club, creating one large boat shed capable of accommodating the full fleet, from eights through to singles. Club rooms, changing facilities and showers will be incorporated within what is currently known as the 8s shed, creating a more cohesive and functional environment for pupils and coaches.

The new club room will also offer wonderful views across the river and celebrate Pangbourne's rowing heritage, with club boards featuring crews from across the past 70 years forming part of the interior.

The building has been designed to strengthen the connection between the College, the river and the wider community. Its position will give the Boathouse greater visibility from the road, while opening views towards the beautiful stretch of the Thames that has long been part of Pangbourne life.

A project powered by the Pangbournian Community

At the heart of the new Boathouse is the extraordinary support of the Pangbournian Community.

The £2.1 million committed to date represents a huge collective achievement and reflects the strength of the relationship between the College and the generations of Old Pangbournians and the families whose support strengthens  its future.

Great schools thrive on the commitment of their communities and the new Boathouse is a powerful expression of that belief. It is being created not only for today's rowers, but for the generations of Pangbournians who will take to the water in the decades to come.

The College would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to the project. This is a Boathouse made possible entirely by the Pangbournian Community.

The College is working with Mitchell Eley Gould Architects, Turley, Synergy Quantity Surveyors, PJCE Structural Engineers and IWP MEP Engineers, with Beard Construction appointed as the main contractor.

“This new Boathouse is about strengthening rowing at Pangbourne and ensuring that this extraordinary sport continues to play an important role in the lives of our pupils for generations to come.

“Rowing captures so much of what we mean by ‘Exploration’. It takes young people beyond their comfort zones, teaches them to embrace challenge and uncertainty and shows them the importance of persistence, teamwork and resilience.

“There is something particularly powerful about learning these lessons on the river. A crew must listen to one another, respond to changing circumstances and work towards a shared goal.

“The new Boathouse will provide an inspiring home for our crews and coaches, while this project is also a wonderful example of our community coming together to invest in our young people. We are enormously grateful to everyone who has helped make our vision for the future of Pangbourne Rowing a reality.”

Oliver Knight, Head of Pangbourne College

Looking towards the next 70 years

The groundbreaking marks the beginning of an exciting new phase for Pangbourne Rowing.

As construction gets underway, the College will continue to share progress with the Pangbournian Community, giving pupils, parents, donors and Old Pangbournians opportunities to see the new Boathouse take shape.

And the ambition extends beyond the building itself. Future phases will include equipping the transformed facility and, ultimately, renewing the fleet of boats, ensuring Pangbourne crews have the equipment they need to continue competing at the highest level.

The groundbreaking was a moment to pause and celebrate what the Pangbournian Community has already achieved – £2.1 million committed towards a new home for Pangbourne Rowing – while looking ahead with excitement to what comes next.

From the 1963 crew to today's pupils, generations of Pangbournians have helped write the story of Pangbourne Rowing.

Now, together, the Community is helping to write its next chapter.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this extraordinary project. The next 70 years starts here.