THE new Marlow Rowing Club, once it is restored, will be an iconic sporting hub for future generations, Sir Steve Redgrave says.

The five times Olympic gold medallist told the Free Press about his vision for the club at a star studded night with other Olympians.

He said: "The whole purpose for how I got back drawn into the club into the day to day process was to make sure that the premise we have is going to take the sport on for the next 150 years.

"We've had a very successful time in the 130 years to present.

"My vision is to make sure the young people of Marlow and the surrounding area have a club and facility that will not be tired and is not lots of bits and pieces put together.

"Going down that avenue is very expensive."

The ambitious proposals unveiled earlier this year will cost over £2million. Plans have been submitted.

A glamorous black tie event on October 26, attended by 230 guests, has raised £20,000 for the club's restoration.

Buy this week's Marlow Free Press for a picture special from the night.

Sir Steve said although insurance money has helped many members didn't want to just patch up the club.

He said: "We wanted to have more of an iconic club and raise the profile.

"We want it to be for the next generations.

"It's got a huge tradition of junior rowing and we've already had some fantastic youngsters that have come through and gone onto higher things."

London 2012 golds medallist Katherine Grainger and Anna Watkins were among the other top names at the event.

TV sports presenter Steve Rider interviewed the athletes throughout the evening.

He told the Free Press: "I think it's a great tribute to the club and a great acknowledgement about the necessary fund-raising that surrounds the club a year on from the fire that destroyed it.

"It's a historic part of Marlow, not just the club's heritage.

"The turnout has been pretty good and there's great enthusiasm."

Club spokesman Jonathan Walne said: "It was a great evening, a real privilege to be there, and a fantastic boost at the start of our fund-raising for the new building."