The Redgrave-Pinsent Rowing Lake will form part of a network of training facilities for the English Institute of Sport (EIS).

The 2,200-metre lake for elite rowers in the Thames Valley will be built on the existing site of the Marina at Caversham Lakes.

Redgrave was knighted after winning his fifth Olympic gold medal at Sydney last year.

Three of the medals were won in partnership with Pinsent.

The rowing lake will be 100m wide to accommodate six lanes.

It will also include facilities to monitor the boat/crew speed and a roadway for coaching and video crews.

In addition, there will be a boathouse with crew and coaches' rooms catering for up to 100 athletes, physiotherapy/medical treatment areas, a video presentation suite, sports science labs, ergometer and weight training rooms and accommodation for boatmen and technicians.

Lottery money from Sport England is being supplied to help fund the project.

Construction is expected to begin early in the new year and the first section of the course ready for use next spring.

Redgrave said: "I wish such a facility was available for myself. I will only be able to look and admire."

Steve Cram, chairman of the EIS, said: "The course will make a major difference to the preparations of our World Class rowers and is a tribute to all the organisations and individuals who have managed to bring this scheme to fruition."