Agenda item

To update the Board on recent developments and activities, in particular:

·        Learning and Community Update, Open House and First World War commemoration programme

·        Summary of progress with the regeneration programme and the HLF bid

·        Progress with the fabric repair programme

·        Patrons

·        A commercial fireworks proposal, for outline approval

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive, introduced the report as circulated. The following additional comments and points arose from the discussion with the Board:

Learning Update

·        The bid for £67k of HLF funding under the “Our Heritage” programme had been submitted on the 16 July. The bid was to support the exhibition and learning and community programme marking the role of Alexandra Palace as a refugee, internee and prisoner of war camp during WW1.

Archives

·        The Board discussed the longstanding policy not to hold an archive at Alexandra Palace. Duncan Wilson reported that the Palace had recently acquired some of the more popular images, as this was more cost-efficient than obtaining copies of material held at Bruce Castle. It was agreed that the best way forward would be to reach an agreement with Bruce Castle regarding access to information held about Alexandra Palace.

Open House

·        The television studios would not be open for Open House visitors, due to the potential risks associated with large groups of people accessing these areas.

·        The Board emphasised the importance of the Friends of the Theatre and the Alexandra Palace Television Group being involved in producing the script for the Open House event.

Volunteering

·        It was suggested that an alternative terminology, such as ‘Friends of…’ might foster a greater feeling of involvement and inclusivity than volunteers and that this was something that could be considered.

Regeneration

·        It was confirmed that there would be a separate Regeneration report to the next meeting of the Board.

·        The response to the soft market testing by Knight Frank appeared to be encouraging on the basis of initial feedback, but more would be known once the final report was produced which was anticipated in mid-July. Work around this area would continue over the next few months, and the Board would be advised when it was felt appropriate to test the market for real, which could happen during 2014.

·        Following the useful regeneration strategic group workshop held in May 2013, it was envisaged that these workshops would be embedded in the way of working for the regeneration programme, alongside the work of the Regeneration Working Group.

·        The Board asked about the ‘further work’ referred to in paragraph 7.7 of the report on Masterplanning. Duncan Wilson advised that any further design work could only be undertaken once the main HLF design team was in place and that it was important to reach a point where the major design elements of the HLF programme had been determined before addressing other areas. It was emphasised that it was important to keep options open with regard to the plans for currently unused spaces, particularly in the South East wing, before approaches were made to commercial investors.

·        With regard to specialist areas such as the exhibition in the TV studios, these would be the subject of separate pieces of work with the input of the expert and special interest groups. This work would be undertaken before the main design team were in place and would feed into the main design.

·        The Board asked to be kept informed of the further development / design work as this progressed.

·        The Board congratulated Duncan and his team for obtaining further grant funding from English Heritage for the SE pavilion works.

·        It was suggested that a tour of the site be arranged prior to the start of the next meeting of the Board.

Patrons / fundraising

·        Once around 20-30 initial patrons had been identified, it was hoped that a launch event for the programme could be held in the theatre in autumn 2013. Work to identify sponsors for funding would start in 2014.

·        The Board welcomed the possibility of using the theatre for an event, but in response to concerns regarding the condition of the interior, it was noted that it would be important to present the event appropriately.

·        It was hoped that work to make the theatre safe would be completed by the end of September, but that this was dependent on no further issues being identified during the course of the work.

·        Board Members were encouraged to think of suggestions for people to be approached as possible patrons.

Commercial fireworks proposal

·        It was reported that a letter of support for the principle of a paid-for fireworks display at the Palace had been received from the police.

·        In response to a question from the Board, it was confirmed that the proposed price for tickets (around £6 per adult when bought in advance) was the same as or cheaper than other comparable events in London, and ticket holders would gain access for both the afternoon and evening. From a safety point of view, a ticket-only event would enable greater control of the numbers of people entering the Park.

·        It was noted that the Grove would remain open to the public throughout the event; the precise location of the fencing had still to be determined, and a number of suggestions made by the SAC and CC around fencing were being taken into consideration.

·        The proposal had been considered by the SAC and CC. The Committees had broadly welcomed the proposal, but had raised some concerns, including around people attempting to gain access to the site without paying. The Committees had also emphasised the need for sensitive signage to address the issue of the closure of entrances, particularly along Newland Road.

·        It was confirmed that alcohol would be on sale within the site in plastic containers, but it would not be possible to bring alcohol or glass containers into the events. Bag checks would be carried out upon entry to the site.

·        The Board emphasised the need for effective communication around the event.

RESOLVED

i)             That the Board note the content of the report, including additional grant funding of £36k from English Heritage.

ii)            That the Board approve the extensions of existing contracts to cover ceiling repairs in the theatre (£20k) and the consolidation of the North Wall (£40k).

iii)           That the Board approve the preparation of a list of possible Patrons of the projects to restore the theatre and TV studios.

iv)           That the Board approve in principle that Alexandra Palace proceed with a reasonably priced ticketed commercial fireworks event in Alexandra Park in November 2013, subject to approval of financial details attached in the restricted papers later in the agenda.