Sturt Reserve now boasts a $2.5 million purpose built regional rowing centre, the first of its kind in the State, honouring Murray Bridge’s proud rowing history on the River Murray.
The Murray Bridge Regional Rowing Centre was a joint project between The Rural City of Murray Bridge, Murray Bridge Rowing Club (MBRC), Commonwealth and State Government.
The project activates the riverfront and provides a contemporary space to showcase the sporting potential of the region. The unique location on the magnificent Murray River and the proud rowing legacy make this project an ideal centrepiece for Murray Bridge and the future of Sturt Reserve.
The Rowing Centre honours a passion for rowing passed down for generations in the community by supporting athletes and Olympians of the future with appropriate facilities. The centre pays tribute to the Murray Cods who first brought Murray Bridge fame and glory on the world stage over 100 years ago, and the rowing club that produced talented three time Olympian and two-time Olympic medallist James McRae and continues to support athletes of the future.
The Centre provides a new home for the Murray Bridge Rowing Club, next to the Murray Bridge Community Club and includes five rowing sheds, a race control box, multi-purpose function area including kitchen and gym, and a new public toilet. Murray Bridge Rowing Club President Craig Christian said the project would have significant economic benefit for local businesses.
The Regional Rowing Centre provides facilities not only for our local rowers but also for visiting crews from Adelaide.
A new rowing landing was built to support the facility, along with public art to commemorate the Murray Cods.
Schiavello Construction SA completed the project in November 2020. The $2.5 million joint project was funded by a $1.6M contribution from The Rural City of Murray Bridge, $496,900 from the Commonwealth Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, $360,000 from the State Government’s Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing and strong support from Adelaide based schools and clubs.