A TOP Chester-based employment lawyer has been appointed chair of Theatr Clwyd’s board of trustees as the arts centre embarks on plans to become an independent trust.

Helen Watson, Partner and Head of Employment Law at Legal-500 listed solicitors Aaron and Partners, will lead on the theatre’s landmark transition to a charitable trust-run organisation after 44 years as a department of Flintshire County Council.

She has been on the board for the past three years with Aaron and Partners a long-standing sponsor of Theatr Clwyd’s community arts programmes across North Wales and the North West of England.

In her new role as chair, Helen will help guide the cultural hub – Wales’ largest producing theatre – into a new era as it prepares for independent status and a major redevelopment of its Grade II-listed complex in Mold.

She said: “I’m very pleased to take up the role of chair at a theatre that I’ve had such a strong affinity with all of my life.

"I have spent many years working closely with the team at Theatr Clwyd, and I’m proud to now be chairing the organisation at such a pivotal time for the future of arts and culture in the region.

"It’s an incredibly exciting time to be at Theatr Clwyd, as we prepare to start a new chapter after 12 months of negotiation with Flintshire County Council, which has been a fantastic supporter and will remain a close partner.

"I’m privileged to be the first chair of the all-new Theatr Clwyd Trust with plans underway on our redevelopment project, which is crucial for the future of not only the theatre, but the local economy too."

Liam Evans-Ford, Theatr Clwyd’s executive director, added: “We’re embarking on a new journey as an independent trust, and at a time like this it’s crucial to have someone as experienced as Helen alongside us.

“She is a highly respected lawyer and her expertise has already proved invaluable in helping form our plans for the future, which made her the perfect choice as our inaugural chair of the board of trustees.

“Theatr Clwyd is a major employer in the area and generates millions of pounds locally; with Helen at the helm, we know we’re in safe hands to go forward and deliver something special for the industry and our local communities for years to come.”