A CHARITABLE trust that took over the running of Burnley’s leisure and cultural services from the local council is celebrating its 10th anniversary – and has a new leader who promises to build on its ‘force for good’ in the borough.
Burnley born and bred Paul Foster recently became the new chief executive of Burnley Leisure and Culture, 10 years since the trust was formed to operate the majority of leisure facilities in the borough previously managed by Burnley Council’s sport and culture services.
His elevation to the role marks the culmination of a career that began as a casual lifeguard at the Thompson Centre 30 years ago.
He then held various roles within the council-run sport and cultural services, where he was head of community and wellbeing when BLC formed, and he made the switch to the new organisation.
“The priority for me moving forward is to build on the good foundations put in place over the past 10 years,” said Paul, who was BLC’s deputy chief executive for three years before the retirement of his predecessor Gerard Vinton.
“Gerard got the trust to where it is now. My job is to carry on that good work. I want us to be seen as a force for good for Burnley residents, whether that’s from the point of view of physical activity, arts, theatre and cultural activities and everything else we do.”
Working in partnership with the council, BLC is responsible for the operation, management and development of St Peter’s and Padiham leisure centres, Prairie Sports Village, Barden athletics track, Thompson Park boating lake, Burnley Mechanics Theatre, numerous hospitality venues and Towneley golf courses and clubhouse, along with borough-wide arts development, community health and wellbeing, sport and play development.