Issue - meetings

To receive the report of the Chief Executive, Alexandra Palace, detailing:

·        The regeneration programme and the successful HLF bid.

·        The events calendar.

·        Progress with the fabric repair programme.

·        Views on the impact of the possible introduction of a local Controlled Parking Zone on free parking on free parking on Alexandra Palace Way.

The Chair prefaced this item by welcoming the HLF announcement that they were supporting the development of the Trust’s £16.8m lottery funding application by granting £844,800 in funding for the design phase, and it was anticipated that this would lead to success at the next stage of funding. The Board acknowledged the huge amount of work that Duncan Wilson and his team had carried out to achieve this, and expressed its thanks and congratulations to them and everyone who had supported this process both at Alexandra Palace and the Council. Duncan Wilson recognised in particular the contributions of Anne Kaiser, Louise Johnson, Melissa Tettey, Isobel Aptaker and Kerri Farnsworth within the team effort.

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive, introduced the report as set out:

HLF Major Heritage Grant Application

·        Development of the second phase of the application would be a lengthy process; procurement requirements meant that it would be around 6 months before a design team was appointed, and then a further year for development of the proposals to be completed. It was hoped that stage 2 would be submitted by October 2014, although the deadline for submission was 2 years from the granting of stage 1 funding, namely April 2015.

·        The approval of the round 1 application was recognised as a significant moment for the Palace. It was noted that the development of the Palace as a learning asset was an important factor of the application, and that cultural partnerships would be key.

·        It was noted that the announcement provided a compelling boost for the wider regeneration programme at the Palace, and should be capitalised on.

·        In response to a question regarding the difference between the funding sought from the HLF and the total project cost, it was reported that it was hoped that some of the shortfall would met by funding from external organisations such as charitable trusts, foundations or bodies such as the GLA and Arts Council.

HLF “Remembering the First World War” Grant Application

·        In response to a question from the Board regarding whether the recent successful stage 1 application for HLF funding may affect the chances of this smaller application being successful, it was felt that a decision would be made on the strength of the project.

·        While the funding stream being applied for in this application related to the WW1 anniversary specifically, it was noted that the Palace was home to a number of technological developments associated with WW2.

Property advice

·        It was reported that Knight Frank had begun soft market testing, an evaluation of which would be brought to the next scheduled meeting of the Board.

·        In response to a question regarding the assessment of the market testing, it was reported that Knight Frank were speaking with 20 suggested organisations initially, and would form a judgement based on the outcome of these discussions. In the event that there was some firm interest, it would then be possible to test the market on a more confident basis.

Strategic workshop – 14 May 2013

·        The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 281