Ald. Holgate (centre), Mr. Mattocks (right) and Mr. Verran (left) stand outside the building's framework
Burnley's £1 million plus sports centre, now beginning to dominate the skyline on Centenary Way, is to have its foundation stone laid by Mr. Walter Winterbottom, director of the newly organised Sports Council. Mr. Winterbottom, one-time England soccer team manager, has accepted an invitation to lay the stone on October 20th. This was revealed on Tuesday 13th June during an inspection of the site by Ald. Thomas Holgate, chairman of Burnley's Parks and Recreational Facilities Committee; Mr. J. Mattocks, Director of Parks and Recreation; and Mr. Barry Verran, administrative assistant. Work began in November last year, and the building is scheduled for completion in November next year. It will be administered by the Parks Department.
Local benefactor, Mr. William Thompson, whose money gift to the town made the centre possible is recognised in the name given to the sports complex - the Thompson Recreational Centre.