Issue - meetings

To receive the report of the Head of Regeneration and Development, Alexandra Palace, on progress with the regeneration project.

RECEIVED the report as set out in the agenda pack, introduced by Duncan Wilson – Chief Executive, Alexandra Palace.

NOTED:

·        Over 2000 responses had been received in response to the consultation.  A full report had been included in the papers for the Alexandra Palace and Park Board meeting on 24 July 2012, and were published on the Council website - http://www.minutes.haringey.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=105&MId=5935

·        The general conclusion was that people were please to see that proposals for improving the Palace were being considered.  There was significant support for bringing the theatre back into use.

·        The consultation showed some negative responses to the hotel idea, but these were put down to confusion as to what was actually proposed.  Similarly, concerns about increased road traffic were to be seen as misunderstandings.

·        Concerns were raised by committee members about one or more of the display panels that seemed to show some specific proposals in the south east wing, e.g. for a ‘BBC TV experience’ that were not part of the consultation plan.  Duncan Wilson responded that the labelling here was entirely illustrative and was not indicative of any firm plan.  Duncan went on to say that ideas were moving ahead for a ‘visitor experience’ in the Transmitter Hall and he expected to have some developed proposals for consideration in the Autumn.

·        Duncan Wilson said that he hoped to have a significant bid for Heritage Lottery Funding for the next phase of regeneration in November, this would include plans for the Theatre and the south east wing / TV studios.  Duncan agreed that these proposals at a formative stage would be put to the joint committee in October in advance for formal consideration by the Board.

RESOLVED to note the report.