Minutes:
(a) Licensing application to increase the Great Hall Capacity
The license application had been approved on 7th September and in response to questions from the Committee Mr. Gill explained that there had been 3 conditions attached to the license for increased capacity in the Great Hall, which the Palace could easily meet:
· At times when there is a simultaneous event in the ice rink, the capacity for concerts in the Great Hall will be reduced to ensure appropriate numbers are able to evacuate from exit D.
· Toilet units are to be in place to supplement those already present in the Great Hall.
· Security guards are to be positioned at the Dukes Avenue exit to ensure the steady dispersal of crowds for an hour after each event ends.
(b) Trustees’ Away Day – Governance Review
The Chair informed the Committee that Board Trustees, Board representatives (of the Consultative Committee) and the Chair of the Advisory Committee would be attending an “away-day” at the Palace on Saturday 26th September to continue work on the review of governance of the Alexandra Palace.
There would be a Stakeholders Forum 24th October 2009 to which Consultative Committee members would be invited for their input.
Further meetings and consultation would take place including Haringey Council and other key stakeholders.
(c) Open House Event
The Committee questioned why the London Open House Event on 19th September would only cover the Studio when previously it had been advertised that the Theatre would also be open. Mr. Gill explained that there had been a mistake on the Open House brochure and the Theatre would not be open due to public safety, however, visitors would be able to see the theatre from a Perspex screen from the foyer.
Access to the Studios on 19th September would be limited and on a first come first served basis. Mr. Gill informed the committee that a press release had been issued giving the correct details of the event
(d) Matters highlighted by Mr. O’Callaghan
Jacob O’Callaghan (Hornsey Historical Society) raised the following matters:
i. Timescales for including items on agendas and delivery of minutes
In response to Mr. O’Callaghan’s concerns the Chair highlighted that letters were sent to Consultative Committee members prior to the agenda planning process inviting them to suggest items for discussion. Draft minutes of meetings were published on the Council’s website and members would be emailed or sent hard copies once available.
ii. Advisory Committee
The Chair agreed with Mr. O’Callaghan’s concerns that there was a need to hold occasional joint meetings of Alexandra Palace Committees and highlighted that this would be a consideration during the governance review.
iii. Theatre and Television Studios
Mr. O’Callaghan drew attention to the poor repair of parts of the Palace building and emphasised that the Council (as a Corporate Trustee) had a responsibility to provide funding for essential repairs.
Mr Gill informed the Committee that the priority was to ensure that operation of the Palace met fire and health and safety regulations. Mr Gill stated that the issue of safety in the Theatre was not only restricted to weather-damage and a damaged ceiling but also due to the fact that two supporting beams had slipped and were floating. The cost of repairs would not be covered by hiring the Theatre out but other funding options would be presented to the Board in the future and these might include national organisations. There was a need to devise a strategy for the Palace and Park site, which would link into the governance review.
iv. Haringey Heartlands Development
Mr O’Callaghan and other Committee members expressed concerns about the scale and size and height of the buildings and their impact on the Park as an amenity and conservation area. In response, the Chair stated that any individual had the right to express a view on the planning application proposals and Councillors in attendance encouraged this.
The Chair agreed that the Haringey Heartlands application should be considered by the Board, once it was established when the item was expected to be considered by the Planning Committee.