Agenda and draft minutes

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The Chair referred to the notice of the filming at meetings and this information was noted.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies of absence were received by Councillor Marc Jenner.

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There were 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 11 below).

There were none.

To approve the minutes of the Statutory Advisory Committee held on 18^th June 2026 as a correct record.

To note the minutes of the Consultative Committee held on the 18^th June 2026 as a correct record.

Approved the minutes of the Consultative Committee held on 18th June 2026 as a correct record.

Noted the minutes of the Statutory Advisory Committee held on the 18th June 2026 as a correct record.

The Committee received an update on progress against the Trust's Strategic Plan and Vision to create a sustainable home for all activities. Strong delivery had continued across a range of strategic priorities, with notable achievements in cultural programming, heritage conservation, environmental sustainability, community engagement and organisational resilience.

Entertainment, Culture and Visitor Experience

Members noted that delivery of the commercial and cultural programme had remained strong, with a varied programme of concerts, theatre productions, exhibitions and corporate events. Successful events included Empire of the Sun, the Summer Season concerts, Kaleidoscope Festival and the Red Bull Soapbox Race, all of which attracted significant audiences and positive feedback.

The Theatre programme had continued to perform strongly, including a successful run of Malory Towers, which achieved over 90% ticket sales and received excellent reviews. Leisure attractions, including the Ice Rink, Boathouse and Summit Rooftop Experience, had continued to contribute to the visitor offer, although pedalo operations had been temporarily suspended due to low water levels in the lake.

The Committee noted preparations for forthcoming events, including the Fireworks and Drone Festival, festive programming and the relocation of the PDC World Darts Championship to the Great Hall from December 2026.

Climate Change Resilience

The Committee was advised that APP remained committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2041. Progress had focused on energy efficiency measures due to funding constraints, with improvements to heating and lighting controls, monitoring systems and measures to reduce heat loss. These initiatives were expected to deliver significant reductions in energy consumption while improving visitor comfort and supporting future decarbonisation efforts. Longer-term plans for renewable energy generation and heat decarbonisation remained under development but were dependent on securing external funding.

Heritage Assets

Members noted the completion of a comprehensive drone survey of the Palace, which would support future maintenance planning and capital investment decisions. Progress had continued on the Great Hall Bridge project, while refurbishment works to the Ice Rink mezzanine toilets had been completed. The Joint Control Room/Security Room project was progressing through construction, and a major electrical shutdown had been successfully undertaken to support maintenance and strengthen business continuity arrangements. The EE infrastructure project was nearing completion, and the Great Hall "Toblerone" replacement project had been completed, including upgrades to emergency lighting and PAVA systems.

Park and Environmental Management

The Committee was informed that the Park team had undertaken preparatory works to support the summer events programme and had responded to challenging drought conditions by prioritising the watering of young trees.

Following a fire in the composting area, additional fire prevention measures had been implemented and the Park Fire Management Plan reviewed. Members noted the significant contribution made by volunteers and community groups across a range of environmental and conservation projects.

Alexandra Park had been awarded Green Flag status for 2026 for the nineteenth time, recognising the quality of the park and green space management.

Archives and Heritage Engagement

The archive digitisation project had continued, with more than 1,000 drawings and plans digitised and securely stored. Progress had been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

The Committee noted a report summarising resident feedback from the 2025 Summer Series and the operational improvements implemented for the 2026 Summer Series, together with key issues arising from the 2026 events.

The following points were noted:

• Transport and traffic: Additional security was deployed to manage taxi pick-ups, and a pilot Uber geo-fencing scheme was introduced around The Avenue and Dukes Avenue during event times. One resident complaint was received regarding the geo-fencing, which was referred to Uber. The approach would be reviewed for future events.
• The Avenue parking: Parking suspensions had been introduced in response to previous resident concerns. Further discussion with residents and Haringey Council was identified as necessary to determine whether these should remain, be amended or removed.
• W3 bus service: Following feedback from residents and ward councillors, Alexandra Palace worked with TfL to introduce a revised diversion route. This ensured that no stops were entirely unserved during road closures, with only five stops missed across the eastbound and westbound services, excluding Alexandra Palace Way.
• Alexandra Palace Way closures: The Committee noted that the road closure remained necessary to facilitate event infrastructure and safe delivery. The team continued to review whether the duration of the closure could be reduced for future events.
• Hire bikes: Alexandra Palace worked with Lime and other operators to manage the increased number of hire bikes around the park and remove obstructions where necessary. Increased usage was particularly noted on the day of the Piccadilly line closure.
• Plant and machinery noise: Less intrusive white-noise warning systems were used where possible, with 9 of the 11 items of plant fitted with the alternative systems.
• West-side entrance: A second entrance was introduced on the west side of the site to provide more direct access and reduce additional footfall along Dukes Avenue.
• Sound management: Across the seven events, recorded sound levels remained below the permitted 75dB limit, with a maximum of 65dB recorded. A total of 46 noise complaints were received, of which 26 included addresses and requested monitoring visits. No breaches of permitted sound levels were identified. Additional post-event teams were also deployed to address noise and anti-social behaviour associated with departing crowds, with positive resident feedback received.
• Piccadilly line closure: The closure on the final event day resulted in increased pressure on local transport, Alexandra Palace Station and hire bike provision. The matter was raised with TfL, with discussions continuing around advance notification and mitigation of future closures.
• Policing and safety: There was only one occasion when police were called to site during the concert run. A Metropolitan Police presence was maintained on each event day, providing a visible and reassuring presence.
• Cleaning: Full post-event cleaning was undertaken across the event site and key surrounding routes, including Alexandra Palace Way, Dukes Avenue and The Avenue. Alexandra Palace continued to offer support to neighbouring businesses where appropriate.
• Wildflowers: Minimal impact from event fencing was identified. The wildflower area was scheduled to be reseeded in a different location for 2027 to avoid future conflict with event  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

The Committee received an update on progress with the Panorama Room Replacement Project and the proposed planning and listed building consent applications. Members noted that the existing Panorama Room had reached the end of its serviceable life and that its replacement would improve sustainability, accessibility, structural performance and long-term maintenance, while supporting the continued commercial and charitable operations of Alexandra Palace.

It was noted that StarLive had been appointed as Main Contractor following a competitive tender process, with design work having commenced in early 2026. The proposed project included the removal of the existing structure, conservation and stabilisation works to the historic basements, repairs to the slab and colonnade, and construction of a new single-storey, fit-for-purpose structure with a similar footprint to the existing building. The design had sought to complement the historic setting while minimising fixings to the Palace.

Members noted that Alexandra Palace had entered into a Planning Performance Agreement with Haringey Council, with further pre-application discussions taking place ahead of the planned submission of the planning and listed building consent applications by 30 September 2026.

The project was expected to cost approximately £3.5m and was proposed to be funded through a loan from Haringey Council, with increased revenue from events expected to support loan repayments. Subject to the necessary consents and funding, construction was expected to take approximately six months, with completion anticipated in October 2027 and the new Panorama Room expected to be available for the 2027 World Darts Championship.

The Committee noted the key project risks, including planning consent, funding, construction costs, operational disruption and potential unforeseen works to the historic basements. These risks were being managed through the project-wide risk register and ongoing coordination between the project team, contractor, architect and structural engineer.

The Committee sought assurance regarding the need for the Panorama Room Replacement Project, its funding arrangements and associated risks. Members were advised that the existing Panorama Room had reached the end of its serviceable life and that its replacement would deliver improvements in sustainability, accessibility and operational performance while reducing long-term maintenance requirements.

The Committee noted that the project, estimated at approximately £3.5 million, was proposed to be funded through a loan from Haringey Council, with increased event revenue expected to support loan repayments. Members were further advised that key risks relating to planning consent, funding, construction costs, operational disruption and unforeseen works to the historic basements were being actively managed through the project risk register and ongoing coordination between the project team and professional advisers.

RESOLVED:

The Committee noted the contents of the report.

The Committee received an update on the pipeline of projects at various stages of design which would require statutory approval before progressing to delivery. Members noted that the projects remained subject to securing the necessary funding and planning, listed building or advertisement consents.

The projects highlighted were the Creative Campus and Heritage Hub: Phase 1, Visitor Experience Improvements (toilets) and West Yard Shutter Upgrade. The Creative Campus project would support the future use of the North East Office Building, improvements to the Theatre and NEOB Courtyards, and enhancements to the Transmitter Hall to better support Haringey Music Service and community groups. The project was also intended to provide improved creative learning, studio and archive facilities.

Members noted that the Visitor Experience Improvements project had been developed in response to feedback regarding existing toilet provision, particularly at the eastern end of the Palace. A feasibility study had identified several options for providing additional permanent facilities to support the East Court, Ice Rink and Great Hall, reducing reliance on temporary toilets during major events.

The West Yard Shutter Upgrade would replace the existing shutter with two smaller shutters, improving operational resilience, security, efficiency and heat retention. The works would require Listed Building Consent.

It was noted that the Creative Campus project was being developed with funding support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other potential funders, with delivery anticipated from 2028 subject to funding and permissions. The toilet and West Yard Shutter projects were expected to be delivered during 2027, subject to funding and consent.

The Committee sought assurance on the benefits and funding arrangements for the proposed projects. Members were advised that the Creative Campus and Heritage Hub: Phase 1 project would support the future use of the North East Office Building, improve facilities for creative learning, archives, community groups and the Haringey Music Service, and contribute to the long-term vision for Alexandra Palace as a centre for culture and heritage.

The Committee also noted that the Visitor Experience Improvements project had been developed in response to feedback regarding toilet provision, particularly at the eastern end of the Palace, and would provide additional permanent facilities to better support visitors and major events. Members were further advised that the Creative Campus project was being developed with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other potential funding sources, with all projects remaining subject to securing the necessary funding and statutory consents before progressing to delivery

RESOLVED:

The Committee noted the contents of the report.

To formalise any feedback to the Trustee Board arising from discussions in the Joint Statutory Advisory and Consultative Committee meeting.

The Committee received feedback from the Consultative Committee Chair on topics and discussions from the previous meeting.

To consider any items of urgent business as identified at item 4.

There were no new items of urgent business.

To note the dates of future meetings:

17 November 2022

9 March 2023

It was noted the date of the next meeting is 30th November 2026.