A Blackb urn reservoir is set to be home to a brand new state-of-the-art boathouse for young people.

The Lancashire School Sailing Association (LSSA) has revealed plans for the project costing hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The new boathouse will be on Fishmoor Reservoir off Haslingden Road in Blackburn, if the plans are a success.

In March 2021 Blackburn with Darwen Council gave its approval in principle for the development of new community water sports facility for young people and a a long lease on the council owned land.

The project, estimated to cost upwards of £700,000, is supported by donations and in-kind services from the Issa brothers' EG Group and Persimmon Homes with kit and equipment donations from Blackburn Sports Council.

The water sports facility at Fishmoor Reservoir, will provide accessible volunteering and sporting opportunities for young people in Blackburn with Darwen..

Now the LSSA has submitted a planning application to the authority to build the boathouse.

A supporting statement submitted by LSSA chair John McCann says: "This has been prepared and submitted by John McCann on behalf of Lancashire School Sailing Association which is a volunteer-led Youth Watersports Charity, for a proposed new community venue and watersports Hub, the ‘Boathouse’, located on land adjacent to Fishmoor Reservoir, Guide, Blackburn.

"The proposed new ‘Boathouse’ development will consist of external spaces and community / teaching rooms, changing, showers and toilets along with large covered boat and equipment storage area.

"There is also provision for car / minibus parking with electric vehicle charging points.

"The overall objective of the 'Boathouse' is providing both a general community resource and dedicated watersports facility for young people.

"This development will provide a year-round community venue with an extended watersports season i.e. dinghy sailing and paddle sports for schools and youth groups, making a positive impact on the lives of young people.

"Provision of watersports will make a positive investment for young people’s sports in Blackburn with Darwen and the surrounding areas providing opportunities to learn, to have fun and to achieve accreditation, with more chances to have a say in the things that matter in their lives.

"Finally there is currently no one watersports provider (including groups of local providers) that can satisfy this need within the community, especially with a planned increase in the local population, as none that currently exist could provide the range of activities or operate within the community’s immediate location, or price range.

"Watersports, along with other forms of physical activity, are recognized as being essential to help those from both minority and economically-deprived communities who have traditionally been excluded from outdoor activities."

The boat store has been designed to accommodate all the LSSA equipment including canoes, kayaks, safety boats, Laser Pico sailing dinghies, Topper sailing dinghies, and racks for equipment including buoyancy aids, helmets, wetsuits, waterproofs, paddles and oars.

The proposed building also has a large stone clad teaching area and external terrace.