Agenda and draft minutes

It was noted that in view of the previous meeting being inquorate and in accordance with the Alexandra Palace and Park Consultative Committees constitution, the appointment of the Chair for the municipal year 2023/2024, was brought forward to this meeting.

Members indicated by raising their hands on nominations for the chair. The nominations were seconded.

Nigel Willmott: Nigel Willmott explained to the committee that he had taken over as Chair of the Consultative Committee because it did not have a permanent Chair at the time, therefore the Chair changed every meeting. As this current Chairmanship will be a short one Nigel hoped to provide continuity to the committee.

Annette Baker: Annette explained that she would be committed to the role, to bring the committee together and ensure new starters to the committee are given a good introduction.

Vote:

Nigel Willmott: 7 votes.

Annette Baker: 4 votes.

RESOLVED:

Nigel Willmott was appointed as chair of the Alexandra Palace and Park Consultative Committee.

Please note this meeting may be filmed or recorded by the Council for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site or by anyone attending the meeting using any communication method.  Members of the public participating in the meeting (e.g. making deputations, asking questions, making oral protests) should be aware that they are likely to be filmed, recorded or reported on.  By entering the ‘meeting room’, you are consenting to being filmed and to the possible use of those images and sound recordings.

The Chair of the meeting has the discretion to terminate or suspend filming or recording, if in his or her opinion continuation of the filming, recording or reporting would disrupt or prejudice the proceedings, infringe the rights of any individual, or may lead to the breach of a legal obligation by the Council.

The chair noted the filming at meetings notice.

John Crompton joined the meeting virtually.

Apologies were received from Councillor Nick da costa and Duncan Neil.

None.

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of Urgent Business.  (Late items will be considered under the agenda item where they appear.  New items will be dealt with under item X below).

It was noted that the minutes of the previous meeting on Thursday 14^th September 2023 were sent out as a supplementary pack.

To agree the minutes of the Consultative Committee held on 14 Sept 2023 as a correct record.

The Chair noted that as the previous meeting was inquorate the decision-making items had been brought forward to this meeting. Items 6 -14 were noting items.

John Chilton highlighted inquiries raised in the previous committee regarding the fulfilment of set targets and a detailed examination of the Theatre's financial status.

The Chief Executive further conveyed that these inquiries pertained to commercial matters, emphasising that a comprehensive investigation was not suitable. Nevertheless, concerning the Theatre, the committee was informed that it was financially on track. The overall financial accounts of the park were also accessible on the website, with the current year's accounts scheduled for publication upon completion.

RESOLVED:

The minutes of the meeting on Thursday 14^th September 2023 were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting. The minutes of the Alexandra Palace and Park Board from Wednesday 19^th July 2023 and Thursday 12^th October were also agreed as a correct record of the meeting.

To consider and adopt.

In accordance with the constitution of the Alexandra Palace and Park Consultative Committees, four non-voting members needed appointment to the Alexandra Palace and Park Board. One of these positions was designated for the Chair of the Statutory Advisory Committee, a role filled by Jason Beazley, appointed as the Chair of the Statutory Advisory Committee on the 14th of September.

The committee proceeded to nominate the remaining three non-voting co-opted members for the Alexandra Park Palace Board. Individuals expressing interest in these positions raised their hands.

Voting Results:

John Chilton – 8 Votes

Duncan Neil – 9 Votes

Nigel Willmott – 7 Votes (Chair of Consultative Committee)

Annette Baker – 4 Votes

Jacob O’Callaghan – 2 Votes

RESOLVED:

Based on the voting outcomes, Nigel Willmott retained the Chairmanship, and co-opted appointments were extended to John Chilton (Friends of the Park), filling the vacancy, while Duncan, Nigel, and Jason retained their positions on the Board.

To consider and adopt.

The Protocol for Advisory and Consultative Committee members was presented by the Chair.

The Chair emphasised aspects outlined in the section titled 'Expectations of Committee Members,' particularly stressing active participation during meetings while being mindful of the overall meeting timetable. Additionally, committee members were reminded to adhere to any specific instructions from the Chair regarding the length of individual contributions.

The introductory statement in the charter was clarified, indicating that it was crafted during workshops held in January 2023. It was acknowledged that, being the committee's charter, adjustments could be made to align with the committee's goals as perceived by its members. Proposed changes were to be communicated to Natalie Layton and required approval from the Chair.

RESOLVED:

1. The report was noted, and the Protocol for Advisory and Consultative Committee Members was adopted by the Consultative Committee.
2. It was agreed that any proposed changes to the Protocol would be submitted via email to the Chair and Natalie ahead of the agenda pack dispatch for the next Consultative Committee meeting. Subsequently, these proposed changes would be presented as an agenda item for voting during the meeting.
   
   

To consider the report and provide feedback to the SAC.

Emma Dagnes, CEO of Alexandra Palace and Park introduced the report,

The following was noted in the discussion:

• The Trustee Board convened on the 12th of October 2023, appointing Nick da Costa as the Lead Trustee for Environmental Sustainability.
• On governance matters, the updated draft byelaws were dispatched to the SAC and CC in June, eliciting some feedback. The SAC and CC will be involved in the final draft consultation, although the work to replace the existing 1929 Byelaws is not anticipated to progress until the next financial year. A timetable will be shared when available.
• Concerning maintenance, repairs, and improvements since the last report, the CEO highlighted ongoing work related to the Bedford Road structural retaining walls. Path and railings work continued throughout September and October.
• In October, the Ice Rink replacement chiller installation included the crane lift from the North Service Yard and subsequent commissioning.
• Regarding Collection Preservation, attention was drawn to the archive shelving unit dismantled at Goodwood Archive and donated to the Trust in 2019. Installed in the former BBC Canteen, these units facilitate easy access to the collection while maintaining the necessary storage conditions to prevent deterioration over time. This consolidation enables the archives to be stored in a central space.
• The People’s Picture (150 Lifetimes) project will install a mural in the East Court and replace information boards near the BBC Tower and Transmitter Hall. Statutory applications, including Listed Building and Advert Consent, will be submitted shortly.
• In terms of strategic projects, the CEO highlighted a mini-tender exercise undertaken in autumn to procure the services of a public engagement specialist. This specialist will conduct a first-phase fact-finding exercise to ascertain the sentiments of users and non-users regarding The Grove, identifying necessary improvements or changes and providing recommendations for the next steps. The Committee will be informed of the timetable for this work.
• The Trust is exploring ideas from local community groups to revitalise the Campsbourne Building in the short to medium term. Several necessary works are required to bring the building up to a good standard before the Trust can legally lease or license it.
• An online visitor survey was initiated in October to collect feedback and opinions on the northern part of the Park (skatepark, playground, and Boating Lake). The survey aims to gather data supporting improvement projects and aiding in funding requests.

RESOLVED:

To acknowledge the content of the report and provide any feedback to the SAC.

To consider the report and provide feedback to the SAC.

Mark Evison, Head of Park and Environmental Sustainability introduced the report.

The following was noted in the discussion:

• Park visitor numbers for 2022-23 were estimated at 3.8 million. Although this figure was lower than the peaks observed during the pandemic, it still surpassed the pre-pandemic averages.
• The Park maintained the Green Flag and Green Heritage Awards in 2023 and achieved Gold standard in three London in Bloom categories (large park, heritage park, and large conservation area).
• The committee was encouraged to submit stories for the Creative Learning ‘The People’s Picture’ before the Christmas period.
• The Creative Learning team secured funding to deliver engagement activities for both the Haringey Feast and Alexandra Palace’s 150th Anniversary. The Young Producers oversaw two commissions, organising workshops across Haringey and leading on digital content for the feast.
• Regarding Haringey music services, the Symphony Orchestra worked on an exciting program of repertoire for the upcoming term, with details to be circulated once confirmed. Haringey Music Service brought 106 young musicians to Alexandra Palace each week.
• Young adults with disabilities from John Dewey Specialist College collaborated with filmmaker Joe Bloom to create a short film. The Rhythm Stick events management course, designed by and for people with disabilities, attracted 15 young participants. The events were hosted in Marcus Garvey Library as part of the Library Lates series.
• Creative Learning received a grant to deliver a program of engagement across Haringey Library Service for Biblio-buzz 2024. This included performances, author readings, and discussions in libraries, with 30 schools enrolled in the program.
• The Windrush 75: The Grip Exhibition, organised by Haringey artists collaborating with older Haringey Residents from the Windrush Generation, was exhibited at Bruce Castle Museum and became part of their archive.
• 81 active volunteers were involved in various departments across Alexandra Palace and Park Palace. The CEO hosted a social event with the volunteers in September, expressing gratitude for their continued support and planning the launch of the 'By the People: 150 Lifetimes' project.
• Incidents with fireworks included an intruder cutting communication cables in the park, endangering many lives. Security was increased to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.
• Councillor Sean O’Donovan, the new Vice Chair of the APPCT Board, congratulated the events and performances, particularly praising the use of the Transmitter Hall. Councillor O’Donovan shared positive feedback on volunteering efforts, including firework displays and the Haringey Feast.

• The carbon footprint pre-covid was ,3000 tonnes CO2e, this reduced to 2,243 tonnes CO2e in 2022/23.
• Gas consumption for 2022/23 decreased by 21% compared to the previous year.
• As the Palace bared a large and complex electrical distribution system installed in the 1980s it had been awarded a Local Energy Accelerator grant by the GLA in 2022. This grant funded a clean energy feasibility study that assessed potential ways to reduce the carbon footprint of the Palace and Park and there is still more work to be done in this area.
• The main outcomes of the report include various building interventions to reduce demand,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

The report was noted.

The feedback from Non-Voting Board Members was noted.

No views or questions were presented by members of the public.

John Chilton proposed discussing the topic of park closures at the next Consultative Committee meeting.

To consider any items of urgent business as identified at item 5.

None.

To note the dates of future meetings:

29th January 2024.??

The next meeting of the Consultative Committee will be held on the 25th January 2024.

The meeting closed at 8.34pm.