Report of the Chief Executive Alexandra Palace – detailing
(a) Presentation of Spatial Masterplan for Alexandra Palace.
(b) Presentation of Basis of Public Consultation on Regeneration Assumptions, Options and Parameters.
TO FOLLOW
Minutes:
RECEIVED the report of Duncan Wilson, APP Chief Executive, as set out in the agenda pack.
Mr Wilson introduced Sir Terry Farrell and the team from Terry Farrell and Partners, and John Harrison from Harrison Fraser.
The Chair asked and it was AGREED nemine contradicentethat standing orders be suspended to enable the specialist architects and spatial masterplanners Sir Terry Farrell and Partners, and Harrison Fraser to address the Board.
The Board received succinct power point presentation– copies of which will be attached to the minutes of the proceedings. The power point presentations detailed in the main the contents of Annexes A-C attached to the circulated report.
Following the presentations the Board sought and received clarification of points raised, and the following were noted:
· that an extensive period of evaluation had resulted in the 10 architectural propositions that aligned with the business plan of live entertainment and sport as detailed in the annexe A;
· The Board commented on and were directed to the scale models on display;
· That the main emphasis of the masterplan was to ensure that ideas could be considered within the context of an overall long term strategy.
· The long-term development would be carried out in stages, with some level of capital investment. The consultation would help to identify which areas should / could be developed, and this would help to inform the level of funds required.
· The consultation process would involve a mixture of an exhibition within the Palace, publicity both nationally and locally in the press/media, together with a number of briefings with the public and key stakeholders. Information would be available on the Alexandra Palace website and on social media.
The Board expressed the following comments:
· That the draft consultation document was a first distillation of the on-going regeneration plans for Alexandra Palace, and the combined efforts of officers of the Trust and consultants were commended;
· that the key messages as outlined needed to be clearly emphasised as underpinning the future of Alexandra Palace, and that the messages put to the public should convey a clear sense of direction on the part of the Trust;
· The overall issue of target audiences was commented on and the work involved in reaching out to the public was agreed to be considerable. Mr Wilson commented that there would be extensive use of the local and national press, free evening and daily London papers, and material aimed at audiences attending events taking place at the Park and Palace – e.g. The Red Bull event which would attract both London wide and national media/public interest
· Concerns were raised by the Board with regards to ‘key messages’ from the consultation. Without strong branding the consultation could be missed amongst other Alexandra Palace information. The Chair requested that the draft key consultation messages to Board members be circulated for comment prior to finalisation, by 19 April 2012. Mr Wilson undertook to do this.
· Concerns that the public may not be clear on what they were exactly being consulted on and how to respond – and that options would need to be provided with clear lines of questions being asked, with a realistic ‘wish list’ of what could be offered in order to avoid unrealistic expectations being raised from the outset
· Mr Wilson confirmed that the whole consultation process was intended to be as flexible as possible, and would be carried out in the spirit of ‘open-mindedness’. Timescales could be extended and the process repeated, if required.
· Concerns were raised in relation to the realism of raising the funding required to deliver the regeneration programme and the target reduction of the existing deficit by 25% and more.
· Comments were expressed on the importance of including a number of special interest/local stakeholder groups at the start of the consultation and it was suggested that a brief summary could be provided to these groups so that they could publicise the consultation to their members – via a web link, group email or as a ‘Tweet’. Mr Wilson asked that contact details for particular groups be sent to him so that the requested information could be provided.
RESOLVED
i) that regeneration progress since the previous update of 16 February 2012 be noted;
ii) that approval be given to the draft business plan and financial strategies outlined and specifically the detail of information relating to potential funding models.
iii) that with regard to the possible contract structure which may be the basis for any future financial arrangement with commercial operators, the implication that this may have for the Trust’s future governance arrangements be noted;
iv) that approval be given to the draft spatial masterplan ideas and direction of travel as a basis for forthcoming public consultation.
v) that approval be given to the proposed consultation process, subject to further circulation of the draft key consultation messages to Members of the Alexandra Palace and Park Board, and taking account of suggested amendments.
The Chair advised that Standing Orders were now reinstated.