Grafton Rowing Club plans for overhaul of boatshed backed by Clarence Valley Council

Take a peek at what Grafton’s longstanding boatshed could soon look like as plans are underfoot for a multimillion-dollar revamp of the historic facility.

An artist impression of the proposed redevelopment of the Grafton’s rowing club.

A multimillion-dollar revamp of a historic rowing club’s boatshed is being pitched by Clarence Valley Council as a means of boosting Grafton’s “position as a river city tourist hub”.

The Grafton Rowing Club’s boatshed at the end of Prince St, facing the Clarence River, could soon be partially demolished for a more modern facility.

The club sits within a heritage conservation area and boasts a proud history as an integral part of Grafton’s makeup as a town.

But the club has also been hit with floods and other setbacks over the years.

Grafton Rowing Club circa 1900.

A public wharf was first constructed at the end of Prince St in 1860, but the wharf suffered when “disastrous” floods occurred in 1863, according to a heritage impact statement.

It wasn’t until 1882 that the club was established, with 28 members who used the shed as boat storage.

In 1890, the Grafton boatshed was constructed on the banks of the Clarence River.

It was demolished to make way for a new shed in 1930, which was almost completely submerged by floods in 1989, 1990 and 2022.

Grafton’s rowing club impacted by flood waters in 2022.

Now, Clarence locals may soon see the beginning of a new chapter in the club and the shed’s long history.

Under the current proposal, sections of the boatshed are set to be demolished, including the rowing tower, upper and lower mezzanine floors and external staircase.

There are also plans to convert the existing ground flood into a space with increased storage areas, unisex amenities and showers and a wider staircase.

What the revamped club facility could look like.

The roof level will be converted into a “club deck” with a seminar space, rowing-focused gym, lounge area, kitchen and office space.

There are also plans for new additions – a public deck, judging box, rower’s room and coffee cart area.

An artist impression of the proposed redevelopment.

The plans are part of the council’s broader ambitions to redevelop what they term the “Grafton Waterfront Precinct area”, including buildings and infrastructure on Prince, Duke, Villiers and Clarence streets in Grafton.

Planning documents state the redevelopment plan will help boost Grafton tourism.

“(Council) is upgrading the Grafton riverfront amenities with the aim of improving connection and engagement with the river … (as well as) boosting its position as a river city tourist hub,” the documents state.

Some of the other waterfront areas under consideration for improvement as part of the plan include the water brigade building, cenotaph and remembrance memorials, park furniture and flood infrastructure.

Members of the public can lodge submissions until June 26.