Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Chief Executive, Alexandra Palace.

RECEIVED the report of Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive – Alexandra Palace, covering fabric affairs and facilities management, recruitment and HR and the tender process for legal advice to the Trust and Trading Company as set out in the report.

Rebecca Kane, Managing Director – APTL, gave a presentation on the events programme over the Summer:

• Holland Heineken House: to celebrate the success of Dutch athletes at the Olympics in front of a ‘home’ audience of Dutch nationals. 6k visitors per day were expected to attend, with tickets going on sale in Holland prior to sales elsewhere. This was an excellent opportunity to showcase the capability of Alexandra Palace as a venue. It was agreed that the communications plan would be circulated to Trustees for information.
• Olympic torch relay: feedback from LOCOG had been positive; 10k visitors were expected to attend a high-profile celebratory event.

In response to questions from the Board, Rebecca Kane confirmed that entire Palace was reserved for the use of Holland Heineken House, and that users of the ice rink had been notified accordingly. With regards to signposting routes to Alexandra Palace for this event, the Palace was working with Heineken and the Netherlands Olympics Committee to map out likely routes and signpost transport links.

On behalf of the Board, the Chair remarked that the success of the events business at Alexandra Palace was a testament to the work of Rebecca Kane and the team she had built, which was a legacy for which the Board was extremely grateful. The performance had been an incredible success story and the Board thanked Rebecca Kane for all her work. Nigel Wilmott added his thanks on behalf of local residents for the way in which she had projected the image of the Palace, and wished her the best in her new role.

RESOLVED that the content of the report be noted.