FULHAM have blasted claims they could kill off the Boat Race by building an 80-metre pier.
Campaigners say a proposed Craven Cottage revamp could make sport on the River Thames too ‘dangerous’.
The Cambridge crew practice for Sunday’s Boat Race amid controversy over Fulham’s proposals for a River Thames platformCredit: AlamyProtestors claim the Boat Race – won here by Cambridge in 2021 – could be affected if Fulham’s plans for Craven Cottage go aheadCredit: AP
A petition against the Championship leaders’ plans has more than 6,000 signatures, with local MP Fleur Anderson leading the protests.
But ahead of Sunday’s Boat Race, Fulham deny they want to build an ’80-metre pontoon’ and insist there is ‘absolutely no risk’ to the classic rowing event between Oxford and Cambridge universities.
It’s understood the Cottagers hope to deploy a passenger ferry, going past the current limit of Putney Pier, and build a ‘wonderful viewing platform’ for the race.
But Anderson, Labour MP for Putney in London, told parliament: “The future of Putney Boat Race on the Thames and all sport, and all the river clubs on Putney Embankment, are being put at risk by a proposal by Fulham FC to build an 80 metre pier out into the river which will have a stop.
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“If it runs, it will make sport rowing and sailing too dangerous on the river. Especially for all the young people who use it.
“There are about 4,000 members across 41 clubs along the river who will be impacted, as well as 30,000 participants in rowing races in the first quarter of the year.
“There are approximately 1,400 children from clubs and rowing centres near FFC on that part of the river who use it several times a week.
“I hope that Fulham will see this, listen to the clubs and stop these plans to build this dangerous, huge pier.”
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The Athletic quote Ranelagh Sailing Club as arguing the ‘sporting and recreational use of the river will be destroyed’.
But Fulham insist Anderson’s ‘disappointing’ claims are ‘inaccurate and wrong’ and claim their plans have majority backing from the local area.
They said in a statement: “There is no proposal to extend a pontoon 80 metres across the Thames (nor has there ever been) and there is absolutely no risk whatsoever to the boat race.
Fulham’s design would, in addition to creating substantial and obvious benefits to the local community, focus on providing a wonderful viewing platform which would enhance the boat race atmosphere, experience and accessibility.
“The club is encouraged by the results of an initial survey in the local area for a passenger pier service, which showed an exceptionally positive response, with over 80 per cent in favour.”
The Cottagers also aim to increase their stadium capacity from 25,700 to 29,600 as they close on a return to the Premier League.
