The Mount Batten Centre Charity Trust (MBCCT) and Plymouth City Council are thrilled to announce the appointment of Esther Pearson as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre.
Esther will be spearheading the strategic direction and operational excellence of the centre. She will also collaborate closely with Plymouth City Council to elevate the centre's role as a vital gateway to the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.
Esther’s appointment heralds an exciting new chapter for the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre.
Richard Stevens MBE DL, Chair of the Board, MBCCT said: “After an extensive and rigorous recruitment process, I am delighted, on behalf of the Mount Batten Centre Charity Trust Board, to welcome Esther as our new CEO. Esther brings an impressive array of skills from her diverse experience in various sectors, including a multi-million pound food manufacturer, a national watersport governing body, and esteemed local charitable organisations.
Her passion for people, community, the environment, watersports, and Plymouth was evident throughout her interview process. I eagerly anticipate working with Esther and supporting her as the centre embarks on an exciting period of transformation, becoming a key part of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.”
Adrian Kemp MBE, Commodore of Plymouth Youth Sailing Club and member of the MBCCT Board said: “The Mount Batten Centre serves many purposes for a diverse audience. It is not only a hub for watersports and activities but also a community meeting place, the first point of water access for many, and a host for local, national, and international events. It is home to numerous city watersports clubs and affiliates. I am excited to collaborate with Esther both in my role on the board and as Commodore of Plymouth Youth Sailing, to ensure the continued growth of the city’s grassroots sailing legacy.”
As part of the successful National Lottery Heritage Fund bid for Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, the Mount Batten Tower, the Mount Batten peninsula, and the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre will undergo significant enhancements. These improvements will include upgrading the changing rooms, pontoon works, and revamping the centre’s onsite café, The Lookout.
Funding will also facilitate the creation of an exciting programme of water-based activities, providing access and engagement opportunities for groups and individuals who have not previously interacted with the water. This will enable them to experience a wide range of watersports at the centre.
Esther, new CEO of the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre said: “I am incredibly pleased to join this fantastic team of staff and volunteers, united by our passion for the sea. This is a thrilling time for the Centre as we enhance our role as a key gateway to the UK’s first National Marine Park here in Plymouth. We aim to offer a warm welcome and a variety of activities on, in, and around the water. Together with our partners, we will deliver more opportunities for cultural, heritage and conservation engagement than ever before.”
Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, said: “Exciting times are on the horizon, with plans to welcome people from all walks of life to get involved in Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.
“Mount Batten Centre is a real gem for the city and one which is due to get some significant improvement work in the very near future, so that it can reach its full potential and play an even bigger part in the lives of Plymouth people.
“It is the perfect place to try out water sports and get in, on and under the Sound and we very much look forward to welcoming Esther on board!”
In June, the centre celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a cornerstone of the Plymouth watersports community. The centre has consistently provided a range of activities and adventures for people of all ages and abilities. Since transitioning to a Charity Trust in December 2014, the Mount Batten Centre has continued to grow and thrive.