Grandstand, Marlow Road, Henley-on-Thames

Grandstand for Henley Royal Regatta on the E bank of the River Thames at the point of the finishing line, designed by Frederick G Sainsbury in 1911, constructed in 1913. Refurbished and altered in the 1990s and early C21.

The W (landward) elevation is late-C20, with alterations of the early C21 including a rear extension and modifications to the post-war single-storey kitchen and facilities wing. The W balcony is late-C20, and an additional balcony was added to this elevation in the early C21. The W elevation is thus much renewed and is not part of the special interest of the building.

MATERIALS: cast-iron structure on a concrete base, with modern steel reinforcement and materials, including glazing, used in the refurbishment.

PLAN: a linear plan intentionally taking the form of a boat; the grandstand is raised above the retaining wall to the E river bank, providing a first-floor deck from which to view the races.

EXTERIOR: six bays, the lower deck has recessed glazed panels (renewed in the early C21) and entrances on the E (river) elevation above which is a projecting upper deck, enclosed in the early C21, with a lattice iron balcony to the S, E and N. The earliest structure of the grandstand is evident on the E elevation and comprises cast-iron columns supporting steel beams that are cantilevered past the columns to support the timber joists of the balconies; there are curved braces between the columns and beams.

The roof is an early C21 glassfibre structure designed to imitate the form of the original canvas roof.

INTERIOR: not inspected. The interior fixtures, fittings and finishes are believed to be modern replacements.