Agenda item

Report of the Park Manager Alexandra Palace - To update the Committee on events and works within the park.

The Chair then asked for a brief introduction of the report.

In a succinct introduction to the circulated report the General Manager – Mr Loudfoot  gave a brief update of recent activities carried out in Alexandra Park and answered points of clarification. In particular Mr Evison advised that Warner Estate Residents Association had consulted their members over their request for a new pathway from the Redstone Road entrance.  Mr Evison commented that he had attended the WERA AGM on 6 July 2008 where the meeting had fully endorsed the proposals. He would now commence drawing up detailed plans.

Mr Loudfoot further commented that:

·      The Alexandra Park Ornithological Group (APOG) held a public bird walk in May and 43 species were sighted.  This list has been published on the Alexandra Palace Website and is available in the Information Centre.  APOG was preparing a ‘Birds of Alexandra Park’ leaflet detailing all species that may be seen;

·      Traffic Engineers have reviewed the crossing point on Alexandra Palace Way (below the Palm Court entrance) and feel a traffic island could be installed to provide a refuge for pedestrians.  Quotations for this project were being sought.

Mr Loudfoot also advised that following the conclusion of the HLF an event had been arranged for Sunday 10 August 2008 to celebrate the success of the HLF project, with full media coverage, and all members of the Advisory, and Consultative Committee, and the Alexandra Palace and Park Board would be invited to the event. In response to points of clarification Mr Evison advised that the event was not open to the public and was by invitation only.  The event would also be appearing on the Palace’s website.

Mr Loudfoot further advised that there had been a positive visit from the Green Flag Judges at the end of May 2008, where it had been remarked upon how improved the park had appeared since the previous year by one of the judges who had been judging the park the previous year.  The judges’ results were expected on 17 July 2008. 

The Committee then briefly raised the following points;

·        Whether the gantries would be replaced and the response from Mr Loudfoot that the columns had been cast iron, filled with concrete which had subsequently caused corrosion which resulted in the need for their removal.  The gantries would not be returning. New signage had been ordered and would be visible shortly.

·        That in response to comments relating to the public showing of the park by-laws the new park notices did in effect show the does and don’ts but were less authoritarian

·        That there was considerable positive feedback from users in relation to how good the park was looking and that both the park manager and the contractors should be congratulated on their excellent efforts

·        The temporary use of the lower car-park by the contractors Costains and confirmation that this had been agreed at a small fee in order for workers on the building site below the palace having a place to park during the day whilst working on site

·        Concerns at a recent corporate event and the close of pathways to the enclosure in the Upper Field and the comments of the General Manager that the event’s organisation had not been clearly detailed when the event was booked and not as the company had explained it would happen, There would be no further occurrences as what had happened though there were usually 3 /4 events of this nature during one calendar year

·        That there was better signage needed around the park, especially showing where the pitch and put was in operation and Mr Loudfoot confirmed that signage was in the process of being ordered

There being no further discussions it was:

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.