FAQs

To register your valued support please email support@bedford-rowing-lake.com

Will the proposed rowing lake have any effect on the application for traveler sites in Willington Village?
Will noise levels from the rowing lake be significant?
What will the lake be used for?
Will the lake be a feature at the London 2012 Olympics?
How long will it take to finish?
What is included in the enabling development?
How will the site be accessed, will existing roads be affected?
Will there be a big impact on volume of traffic once the scheme is in place?
How will the site be used on a day to day basis? And how many people will use the site?
Do you think this project will genuinely put our town on the map, a place we can be proud of to work, rest and play?

  Will the proposed rowing lake have any effect on the application for traveler sites in Willington Village?
 

There will be no travelers sites within the River Valley Park and Enabling Development area and this area could be extended nearer to Willington and Cople for playing fields etc.

This was an issue raised by every person at the Willington Road Show. This could be a matter for the local population of Willington and Cople to address along with their elected representatives and officers at Borough Hall. For more information contact Paul.Ferguson@bedford.gov.uk

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  Will noise levels from the rowing lake be significant?
  As many rowers, and not least common sense will tell you, there are not many sports that produce as little noise as rowing. On the lake electronic communication is used rather than old fashioned megaphones. The maturing tree belt north of Willington will remain as a buffer for only the two or three events to be held each year.  It is our aim that the rowing lake and its surroundings will be a peaceful and tranquil area.

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  What will the lake be used for?
  The Lake is designed as a training lake and will allow for the expansion of serious rowing to school and university students in and around Bedfordshire. It will also be a natural centre of gravity for British club rowing as it is situated within 1.5hours of 60% of the rowing population. Also, due to the size of the lake, many other water based sports will be accommodated including canoeing, triathlon, open water swimming, and angling. See the information boards for further details.

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  Will the lake be a feature at the London 2012 Olympics?
  This project is aimed at sustainability and it will become part of the Olympic Legacy allowing for more people to participate in all of the activities centred on and around the lake. The proposed lake is a full Olympic length 2300m so there is no reason why local and national regattas could not be held on the Bedford Rowing Lake. It is not suitable for international competition.

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  How long will it take to finish?
  The Bedford Rowing Lake CIC aim to have this project 50% complete in 5 years and 100% complete in 10 years. To a degree the overall timescales can be positively influenced by the support of all Bedfordians.

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  What is included in the enabling development?
  The enabling development is split into 4 proposed sectors all designed to be in sympathy with each other and the local environment. These comprise a retirement village, an educational campus, a residential hamlet and a business park aimed at science and technological research and development. More details can be found in the information section.

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  How will the site be accessed, will existing roads be affected?
  The main access for the site will be via the A421 bypass. A roundabout will be installed at the present access to the sewage farm and abattoir, making the present haul road access to the gravel plant redundant. This will improve safety for drivers with regard to lorries pulling out onto the main road which was an area of concern arising from the Willington road scheme.

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  Will there be a big impact on volume of traffic once the scheme is in place?
  Careful consideration has been taken with regard to traffic. The rowing lake and enabling development are designed such that the users will have minimum traffic impact on existing road users due to the enhanced access close to the Bedford bypass.

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  How will the site be used on a day to day basis? And how many people will use the site?
  The site, once complete will provide for residential, care for the elderly, enterprise and employment and education as well as sport and leisure. The rowing lake itself will be used by locals and training groups from further afield in a variety of sports. Specific numbers on how many people will use the lake are estimated at 130-150 users per day between 7am and 5pm.. However, these aspects have all been carefully considered in the development, its infrastructure and its location.

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  Do you think this project will genuinely put our town on the map, a place we can be proud of to work, rest and play?
  Very definitely. ‘Bedford – Home of the River Valley Park and Rowing Lake’ is a very positive statement and illustration and something for us all to be proud of!

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