The fire destroyed part of the clubhouse and caused severe smoke damage to the rest of the building but the funding will be used to rebuild and extend the clubhouse and transform it into a regional water sports venue offering canoeing, open water swimming and rowing.

The club will also become a regional centre for disability rowing with the installation of specialist gym equipment, a lift and improved access to the clubhouse set to make it easier for disabled people to train at the club.

Sir Steve Redgrave, Britain's five-time Olympic champion and President of Marlow Rowing Club, welcomed the funding announcement.

"I am delighted that Sport England is investing £1 million ($1.5 million/€1.2 million) of Olympic legacy funding into Marlow Rowing Club," he said.

"I have fantastic memories of rowing at this club and I hope this investment will inspire a new generation to get on the water be it in a boat, a canoe or swimming."

Home Secretary Theresa May has also welcomed the move.

"I am delighted Sport England has awarded £1 million ($1.5 million/€1.2 million) to Marlow Rowing Club," said May, the MP for Maidenhead, which covers Marlow.

"This money will allow more local people to enjoy a variety of sports in first-class facilities and ensure the legacy from London 2012 continues to live on."

Other sports clubs to benefit from the work include Marlow Canoe Club, Henley Open Water Swimming Club, High Wycombe Triathlon Club and Longridge Canoe Club.

"Our £1 million ($1.5 million/€1.2 million) investment into Marlow Rowing Club will help reverse the fortunes of this thriving club," said Sport England property director Charles Johnston.

"Rising from the ashes of this destroyed clubhouse will be an iconic water sports centre, creating a strong and tangible legacy from the London 2012 Games which can be enjoyed by the people of Marlow and surrounding areas."

Iconic Facilities is part of Sport England's £150 million ($240 million/€190 million) Places People Play legacy programme that aims the magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games into communities across the country.

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