The Kathleen and Michael Connolly Foundation has given £200,000 towards the enabling development for this project which will include a retirement village and education campus.

The project will be a centre for rowing training and a focal point for Bedford and Bedfordshire. The University of Bedfordshire is a keen supporter of the project, expressing their excitement at an educational link with an international rowing facility and showing a keenness to help move the project forward.

The project will also provide an estimated 2000 new jobs. Professor Les Ebdon CBE, Chief Executive of the University of Bedfordshire commented, ‘The Board of Governors of the University was captured by the vision of an educational facility link with the international class rowing lake; we are looking forward to partnering the Bedford Rowing Lake Community Interest Company in moving this project forward.’

"The technical and financial support from The Kathleen and Michael Connolly Foundation has been instrumental in driving this prestige project for Bedford forward. The combination of new sporting facilities for young people, including those in further education, jobs and retirement facilities lend this project well to The Foundation's objectives." - Pete Mulkerrins, Director, Bedford Rowing Lake Community Interest Company and former Olympic rower.

For more information visit www.bedford-rowing-lake.com

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