Andrew Bentley to lead Flintshire’s leisure and library services
Gwella Wales has appointed Andrew Bentley BEM as its first full-time Managing Director.
The not-for-profit company operates leisure, library and wellbeing services across Flintshire on behalf of Flintshire County Council.
It employs more than 280 permanent staff across a network of libraries and leisure centres.
Andrew Bentley brings extensive senior management experience across public and private sectors, having led several of the North West’s major tourism, hospitality and cultural organisations including concert halls, hotels, theatres and libraries.
Most recently, he served as Director of PlaceCulture, advising local authorities and regeneration organisations across the UK on the strategic planning of new leisure, cultural and civic hubs.
Mr Bentley was the founding Chief Executive of Storyhouse in Chester, a role he held until 2023. Under his leadership, Storyhouse became one of the UK’s busiest libraries and a leading cultural and civic venue. He was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his long-standing work in Chester.
Speaking about his appointment, Andrew Bentley said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this role at such a vital time. Our services are central to the wellbeing and success of our communities, and there has rarely been a moment when support for physical and mental health has been more important.
“We expect to play an increasing role in fostering community cohesion, tackling isolation, and providing opportunities across generations. Gwella is an innovative partnership with Flintshire County Council, and I’m grateful for the Council’s vision and support as we work together to build an organisation Flintshire can be proud of.”
Craig Macleod, Chair of Gwella and Chief Officer (Social Services) at Flintshire County Council, said: “It has been an important journey over the last 12 months as we transformed the management of our leisure and library services. The team have managed the transition with dedication and passion, and together we have shown that our service – and the family that runs it – can thrive.
“It’s wonderful news that we have been able to move from a successful interim arrangement to an appointment of this calibre. We look forward to the growing success and relevance of the service under this new leadership model.”
Gwella was established by Flintshire County Council in late 2024 to take over responsibility for the county’s leisure and library services previously run by Aura Leisure and Libraries.
The change followed the expiry of Aura’s grant funding agreement with the council, leading to the creation of Gwella as a local authority trading company to ensure continuity of services.
Staff and operations transferred to the new organisation in November 2024.
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