Agenda item

Presentation of final HLF design proposals by Andy Theobald, Feilden Clegg Bradley.

Duncan Wilson introduced the report as set out and handed over to Andy Theobald and Peter Higgins to present the HLF design proposals.  The following comments were made in response to the presentation:

BBC Studios

·                The build up of the story from the entrance to the Studios was a great idea, and the audio visual techniques helped to do this.  It was hoped that there would be a good collection of objects to complement the digital storytelling.

·                A big concern was that any structural changes in the studios would have to be supported by strong interpretation.

·                How would the displays transmit to visitors the difficulties that people were struggling with at the time?

·                Would at least one section of the bricked in arches be retained?

·                There was a concern that it was difficult to envisage what exactly was proposed, and what would be taken away in order to achieve the final result.

·                This was the last chance to ‘get the studios right’.  This was an opportunity to show the Baird Intermediate Film Techniques in Studio B.

·                There were two conflicting aspects to the vision of the project – the fact that Alexandra Palace was a Victorian building, and the fact that Alexandra Palace was crucial to television history.  The BBC and the Studios should be the highest priority.

·                Stephen Games, a designer, broadcaster, critic and local resident spoke as a member of the public on the proposals. He was critical of various aspects, including the digital representation of the narrative of the early history of television, contrasting it with the experience of actually watching television before the Second World War. He did not like the theatre as a multi-functional space either.

Peter Higgins responded to the comments made.  He pointed out that if the Studios were recreated with ‘fakes’ of the equipment that had been used, it would not be particularly inspiring to visitors.  It was more useful for visitors to know how the studios and equipments worked, what chemicals were used, the mechanics of the machinery – rather than creating replicas of the original equipment.  Studio A would start the story, and Studio B would show what current technology was, and what could happen in the future.  The story of the studios would be described very clearly in an animation.

Duncan Wilson informed the Committee that the former Chair of the Statutory Advisory Committee, Denis Heathcote, had written a letter to the HLF which supported the removal of the bricked up arches/windows.  The SAC had also commended the proposals at Stage 1 of the HLF bid.

Theatre / fabric of the building

·                Friends of the Theatre were delighted with the plans for the theatre.  One question that had been raised was whether it would be necessary for the floor to be flattened, as it was a huge part of the character of the space.

·                Concerns were raised that this was the last chance for the Committees to consider the application.  Duncan Wilson explained that proposals had been discussed in outline at a number of previous committee meetings.

Duncan Wilson explained that the business plan for the theatre indicated that flattening the floor would be necessary in order to give the space a sustainable future, as it would provide for a range of both cultural and commercial uses for the theatre.  It would not spoil the look of the theatre – in fact the existing floor boards would be re-laid for the “new” levelled floor.

Duncan Wilson also added that the Chair of the Consultative Committee and the Joint Statutory Advisory Committee and Consultative Committee, Gordon Hutchinson, had sent an email with regards to the design.  Although he had not seen the final designs, he had a good idea of what the plans would be, and was impressed at how the heritage had been safeguarded.  The designers had been realistic about the modifications, and he was pleased that thought had been given to opening up the East Court.  The Friends of Alexandra Park were also in support, and as Chair, he was in full support of the restoration project.

The Chair, Councillor Jogee, put to the Committees that the Planning and Listed Building Consent applications be endorsed to the Board, taking into account the issues raised during the meeting.

Councillor Hare requested that an amendment be made to the resolution to state that advice would be sought from experts with regards to the implications of removing the blocking from arches of the South East colonnade.

It was decided that the joint meeting would adjourn in order for the individual committees to make separate decisions.

Consultative Committee

Rachael Macdonald, Vice-Chair, put to the Consultative Committee that the plans be endorsed with the caveat that consultation be arranged with someone in the industrial archaeological field to find out the implications of the alterations proposed to the blocked-out arches.

Some members raised concerns over any potential costs in delaying the application further.

Members were asked to vote with regard to amending the recommendation to include further consultation: 13 members voted against, and 3 members voted for the amendment.

RESOLVED that the Consultative Committee endorse the planning and Listed Building Consent applications in respect of the Heritage Lottery scheme for the restoration and refurbishment of the East court, BBC television studios and theatre at Alexandra Palace.

Statutory Advisory Committee

Following a discussion of the Statutory Advisory Committee it was

RESOLVED that

This committee endorses the proposal but recommends that the Board seeks advice from an industrial archaeologist or similar expert in relation to the retention of the bricked in windows/arches.