Agenda item

This report provides information to the Statutory Advisory and Consultative Committees on planning and policy issues in relation to Alexandra Park and Palace. It also provides additional information on the events programme and a range of activities of the Charitable Trust.

Louise Stewart, Chief Executive, Alexandra Park and Palace, introduced the report as set out.

NOTED:

a.         Strategic Vision

Consultants had been appointed to work with Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust to develop the Strategic Vision - BOP Consulting, working with Grant Associates (Landscape Architects) and Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios (Architects).  It was anticipated that the Strategic Vision would be completed in May next year.

b.         East Wing Restoration

The project was now between the enabling phase and construction phase.  The construction design packages had been taken to market, and further updates would be provided at a later date.

In regard to the fabric of the East Wing, the principle was not to lose the essence of the building, however it would not be cost-effective to carry out restoration works on large areas, so small repairs would be carried out instead.  The discovery of extra asbestos had been significantly challenging.

c.         Fundraising

Some members expressed interest in meeting with the new Head of Fundraising, as there was not a ‘Friends’ group for the BBC Studios.  Members were informed that James Atkinson would be attending future Board meetings, and so there would be opportunity to meet with him then.

Donations had been made by the public, ranging from £25 to £900, however there was a focus on targeting larger donations, particularly in relation to the studios.

A Member requested an update on progress towards the fundraising target.

d.         West Yard Storage project

The area previously identified as function space would now be used as office space – without a roof terrace it would be difficult to sell as function space, and so it made more sense to use the multifunctional area as office space.  The project would be balanced with the East Wing Restoration so as not to incur any fees for outside storage.

Planning application had not yet been submitted, but it was anticipated that this would be done in early 2017.

e.         Premises licence application

In response to a question, Louise Stewart explained that the premises licence application covering events in the Park had not yet been submitted, as she felt that more information could be provided on the likely nature of events in the park.

f.          Fireworks

The fireworks had been a success, with no reports of crime and disorder made.  There were some learning points – some people had been caught out by the lack of access (despite the signage), and ‘over-zealous’ security staff, although this had been corrected on the night.  Set up and take down of the event could have been quicker, however it was good overall.

Members of the Committee reported back on a number of issues – a lack of access for dog walkers, the W3 bus had been rerouted 2 hours earlier than specified on the signage and further signage was needed for the road re-routing.  There was positive feedback in that the marshalling had improved, as had the laying of the trackway in the park.

g.         Park road closures

Members expressed concern over the disruption caused by closures of the road to W3 users over a wide area, particularly as TfL’s notification processes are poor, and asked that the benefits of closure clearly outweigh the disruption  (possibly not the case for the Classic Car show).

RESOLVED that the contents of the report be noted.