About Us
Restore. Revive. Reinvigorate.
As a charity, we are committed to the restoration and reuse of the Burnley Empire. Our team is made up of Trustees with diverse backgrounds and unique skill sets, all sharing a passion for preserving this historic venue. We believe that by working together, we can accomplish great things, and make a difference. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the Burnley Empire remains an integral part of Burnley's cultural heritage and is accessible for all.
Meet The Team
Sophie Gibson
Trustee & Chair
​
Sophie Gibson, an artist firmly rooted in Burnley. She studied Fine Art at Liverpool John Moores and has exhibited extensively in the UK and abroad. Sophie is a key member of the arts and culture movement across Burnley and also works as an educator, creative producer and freelance artist. She brings her creative mindset to the fore to find ways of moving forward with the project and provides leadership and direction for the board.
​
Michelle Hurst
Trustee
​
Michelle Hirst, a Chartered Management Accountant and finance leader with extensive experience, adapts easily to organisational structure having worked across multiple areas including healthcare, private medical insurance, information technology, marketing, transformation and human resources. Takes a pragmatic approach to making a difference having implemented change and delivered multimillion-pound cost reduction programmes. Michelle was born and grew up in Burnley and sees this project as a way to make a positive difference to her home town.
Allen Thomasson
Trustee
​
Allen Thomasson worked for the NHS for 30 years including as a Clinical Governance Manager. On leaving the NHS he now works as an educator passing on his skills and knowledge and has gained professional accreditation with the British Institute of Professional Photography as an award winning photographer in portraiture. Allen brings a wealth of management experience as well as his creative mind to the project. Often the voice of challenge on the board, Allen tests decision making in ensuring the right choices are made to preserve the building.
Steve Hogg
Trustee
​
Steve Hogg, a qualified stone mason who has been in the industry for many years and runs his own construction business. He has delivered numerous multi million pound construction projects
across the country. Steve became involved with the Empire project as he sees it as an opportunity to save a heritage building using his experience and knowledge he ensures decisions are made with a focus on saving the heritage and the fabric of the building.