Agenda and minutes

The Clerk sought nominations for a chair of the meeting.  Dennis Heathcote proposed Colin Marr, this was seconded by Colin Richell and it was:

RESOLVED that Colin Marr act as Chair of the meeting.

COLIN MARR IN THE CHAIR

Apologies for absence were received from Gordon Hutchinson (Friends of Alexandra Park) and Councillors Demirci, Dogus, Gorrie, Peacock and Williams.

Members of the Committee are invited to disclose any interest they may have in any of the items appearing on this agenda.

Councillor Beacham declared a non-prejudicial interest in respect of any planning issues discussed during item 8, as he was a member of the Planning Committee.

Councillor Christophides declared a prejudicial interest respect of any planning issues discussed during item 8, as he was a member of the Planning Committee.

Councillor Jenks declared a personal interest as he was a member of the Warner Estate Residents Association (WERA).

i.          To approve the minutes of the informal Joint Statutory Advisory and Consultative Committees held on 6 March 2012.

ii.         To note the minutes of the Advisory Committee held on 6 March 2012.

i)          The minutes of the Joint Informal meeting of the Statutory Advisory Committee and Consultative Committee (SAC/CC) held on 6 March 2012 were approved as a correct record.

ii)         The minutes of the Statutory Advisory Committee meeting held on 6 March 2012 were noted.

To receive the report of the Park Manager, Alexandra Palace, updating the Committee on events and works within the park.

RECEIVED the Park Activities Update as set out in the agenda papers, introduced by Mark Evison – Park Manager, Alexandra Park.

NOTED

Red Bull

·        The Red Bull event had taken place over the weekend – the event was considered to be a success, with around 14,000 visitors to the park.  Some local residents had raised issues raised over noise from the PA systems, but it was pointed out that the PA system was only used from noon until 5pm.  A noise assessment had been carried out and results would be reported back to the Chief Executive in due course.

·        Overall, the event was seen as positive for the Palace and Park and the wide publicity for it has helped raised the profile of Alexandra Palace.

·        Members of the Committee raised concerns that the popularity of this event should not mean that the same space would be used regularly for events, which would then restrict the use of the park for other users.  Whilst it was accepted that parts of the park could be used for income generating events, it was important that any disruption to the park and park users from such events should be proportionate to the income to the Trust.  In the case of Red Bull there were concerns that the disruption may have been disproportionately large.

·        Councillor Cooke explained that the Trustees would not allow the park to be completely taken over by any event.  The Park cost £0.5m per year to maintain, and whilst the Trust did not exist purely to make money out of the Palace and Park, any profits made from events were put back into the company.  Councillor Cooke also made the point that the Pitch and Putt area took up the same space at the Red Bull event, but for the whole year, and was 25 times less profitable than the Red Bull event.

·        The Chairman requested that in future if there is a choice between hosting an event like this in the park and an event in the Great Hall, which would yield a comparable return to the Trust, then the decision should be in favour of a Great Hall event.  The Chief Executive said that he felt this was unlikely to represent a real choice in practice – the type of event which would work outside was different from the indoor concerts and other Live events in the programme.

·        In response to whether the organisers would be allowed to hold an event in the future, Duncan Wilson explained that based on what had happened so far, they would be but until the whole process had been completed (i.e. removal of all equipment from the Park), he would not make any decisions.

Road resurfacing

·        Haringey Council were resurfacing the road through the grounds, and should be completed by mid June.  There were some disruptions to the W3 bus route during this time.

Cricket ground improvements

·        Sam Davidson attended to provide an update on the proposals since the last meeting.  Other options  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

To receive the report of the Chief Executive, Alexandra Palace Trading Limited (APTL) advising the Committee on forthcoming events to the end of the financial year.

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

NOTED

·        The schedule of events - preparations for Holland Heineken House was running to plan, the Olympic Torch relay celebration would take place at the Palace on 25 May and a Diamond Jubilee community event would take place over the Bank Holiday.

·        The report included the recommendations of the Lock and Load security review.  It was reassuring to note that the independent consultants had concluded that the two deaths were not in any way attributable to the actions or omissions of APTL, the promoter’s or the contractor’s staff.  Councillor Cooke added that the report had been considered in detail by the Board, who were confident that the best systems were now in place.

RESOLVED to note the report.

To receive the report of the Regeneration Manager, Alexandra Palace Trading Limited (APTL), on progress with the regeneration project and forthcoming milestones.

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

NOTED

·        Duncan Wilson drew attention to the appendices – consultation plan and key messages.  This consultation had a different approach to previous consultations in that it was more open-minded and started from a design plan.  If further consultation was required, then this would happen.

·        The chairman commented that although he was entirely supportive of the consultation plan it was regrettable that neither the Joint Consultative nor the Advisory Committee had the opportunity to contribute to or review the consultation document and key messages.

·        Members of the Committee commented favourably that this public consultation provided the opportunity for wide discussion and debate.  The general feeling was that the proposed uses and the way forward for the Palace and Park was positive. 

·        A mailshot would be sent to 10,000 residents within the next week, and Duncan Wilson would be setting up meetings with all local residents associations to discuss the consultation.  At the Red Bull event, staff used iPads to carry out consultation surveys with attendees during the event.

·        The consultation website went live on the evening of 17 May and would run for 6 weeks.

·        People could complete the survey online, at consultation events at the Palace, or using the paper forums.

The SAC / CC members supported the consultation.

RESOLVED to note the report.

None.

None.

There was no such business.

Tues 17 July 2012

Tues 16 October 2012

Tues 15 January 2013

The dates of future meetings were noted.