Fourteen new pieces of equipment provided by Matrix Fitness Systems have been specifically chosen to improve the performance of the club’s athletes, and include a bench press, Olympic bar, back extension and bicep curl.

Janet Evans, secretary at the club, said: “The new gym has made a real difference to our members. Before the new building and equipment you very rarely saw anyone working out in there, apart from on club nights; now there is always someone training.

“Some of the older members were sceptical about the installation of new and unfamiliar equipment but now they wouldn’t be without it.

“We are really grateful to all our sponsors for their help and hard work.”

Sport England funded the development, with contributions of £250,000 from the British Canoe Union (BCU) and £50,000 from the Amateur Rowing Association (ARA).

Around 400 dragon boaters, canoeists, kayakers and skiffers use the Royal Canoe Club — thought to be the oldest canoe association in the world.

It is also home to the under 23 Team GB Canoeists, and accommodates many of the Senior GB team when training in the area, as well as select community groups.