The governing body overseeing a multi-million pound arts centre in Wells has appointed a new chair at a crucial time for the project.
Tim Lankester has been appointed by the board of trustees at the Wells Maltings Trust after Peter Lynn stepped down in November 2017 after seven years.
He is taking on the role as work on the £5m Wells Maltings arts centre on Staithe Street, is nearing completion and plans are in place to open its doors to the public in the spring.
Mr Lankester, who also lives in Wells, is a long-time supporter of the arts and currently sits on the board of the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Culture in Norwich.
Until recently he chaired the governing body of the London Contemporary Dance Trust.
He called it a “privilege” to be joining the board and to be working alongside fellow trustees and general manager Simon Daykin.
“I am tremendously excited by the wonderful new centre and what it will have to offer for everyone in Wells and in neighbouring communities and for our many visitors,” he said.
“Working with the other trustees and general manager Simon Daykin, who have done so much to bring the project to its current stage, I am determined to do all I can to help make a resounding success of it.”
The Maltings project has been in development since 2016 and benefitted from money from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Coastal Communities Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, and the Foyle Foundation.
When it is completed it will include a museum, a major expansion of The Granary Theatre, a cafe, a viewing gallery overlooking the sea, and youth facilities.
While the team behind it have not committed to an exact date they have said they hope to start trading in time for the busy summer period.
Speaking of Mr Lankester’s appointment as chair, general manager Simon Daykin said: “We are all delighted to be working with Tim, who will bring so much to the strategic governance and leadership of the Maltings.
“Our key aim is to establish and sustain the Maltings as a thriving, welcoming and vibrant place for everyone to enjoy and call their own: Tim’s passion, commitment, knowledge and experience can help us to do just that.”
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