Agenda item

To update the SAC/CC on Alexandra Palace activities (including events, car parking, colour strategy, and park monitoring information)

The CEO introduced the report and invited Member comments. The following was noted:

Governance

The CEO informed that the Governance Project Group had met several times and a briefing note was being prepared for Councillors, which would also be circulated to Members of the SAC/CC. Post meeting note: Update circulated to SAC/CC members by email in August.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) presence

The CEO informed that the Trust had been working closely with the LFB to put in place new temporary water supply measures following the corrosion of fire main pipework. In the event of an incident at the Palace and Park, the LFB had confirmed they were satisfied that they would be able to provide an adequate response. A long term solution would be addressed at a later date.

Responding to a question, the CEO informed that the Trust was not expecting a written report from LFB. The Trust keeps its own records. As well as ensuring the safety of staff, visitors and the building the exercise  provided the Trust’s insurers that the Trust was actively managing and mitigating risks, which would benefit insurance premiums in the long term.

Park Update

In preparation for a likely increase in littering around the park during the upcoming summer months new signage was to be installed around the Palace and Park to discourage littering. The CEO sought Resident Association’s to do all they could to discourage residents not to litter or fly tip in the Park.

Regarding the ongoing work to tackle Oak Processionary Moth, Members noted it would be helpful if the Alexandra Palace website had images of what people should be looking out for. Post meeting note: leaflet about the moths was circulated to SAC/CC in July.

Responding to a question on litter collections, the CEO informed that the Trust had a limited budget for this and additional litter collections were scheduled for the summer months when litter around the Park increased. Litter collection rotas were changed, depending on the events on site so that certain areas, such as the children’s playground or heavily littered areas could be prioritised. 

Future use of the deer enclosure had not been decided and the area would remain as it currently was, with the gate closed for the safety of park users while the grass area recovered from deer grazing. Post meeting note – the area is being used for outdoor activities as par of the creative learning programme.

Responding to a question on the potential for fires  in the Park, the CEO confirmed that there were regular patrols and that the team were vigilant, particularly during the warmer weather. The CEO noted that local users of the Park had been robust in keeping the Trust informed of any fire outbreaks. Members were encouraged to contact the Trust’s security or visitor services team on 020 8365 2121 if they spotted any fires within the Park.

The Trust intends to highlight the leaving of household rubbish by park neighbours by putting hazard tape around it in order to discourage the activity. Local Ward Councillors at the meeting offered assistance by raising awareness on the streets that it was unacceptable to leave household litter in the Park. Resident Associations would also be proactive in highlighting the issue at their local meetings. 

East Wing and Theatre

The CEO noted the diversity of performances in the theatre, which included Liam Gallagher and Madonna.

Regarding the purchasing of tickets, the CEO informed that this was being looked into but any solution was likely to be digital as it was not viable to operate a full service box office on site given the cost involved.

Heritage Significance Appraisal

The CEO informed that a public consultation on the Heritage Significance Appraisal was planned to start from late June. Views would be sought from stakeholders and Members of the SAC/CC were invited to submit comments on the public consultation. Following the consultation conclusion, Members of the SAC/CC would further be consulted on its results. The CEO confirmed the Conservation Officer of Haringey Council would also be involved in the process.  

In response as to whether the Board had considered the Appraisal document, the CEO confirmed it had not and that the document was still in the process of being finalised. Once finalised, the Appraisal would be released for public consultation. The Appraisal would be released online but the CEO confirmed that copies would be made available at the Palace, upon request. The consultation period would likely be extended which the Chair agreed was appropriate, given it was taking place over the summer holidays.

An update would be provided to the Committee on the public consultation at the next meeting on 24^th September (Action: Louise Stewart/ Natalie Layton).

Creative Learning

The CEO confirmed that work on the creativity pavilion would be underway by July and was expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

Responding to a Member request, the CEO confirmed that the ‘Creative Learning’ section of the report could have a table of events included at the next meeting (Action: Natalie Layton).

Events and Noise Management

The CEO highlighted that Alexandra Palace Way would be closed from 10am on 5^th July until 5am on 8^th July in preparation for Red Bull on 7^th July.

Regarding the resilience forum, the CEO informed that the Council used to run this group which saw different event organisers collaborate on joining up planning preparations for major events and incidents across the borough. Following the re-opening of the refurbished White Hart Lane Stadium, it was decided the forum was to be recreated with new terms of reference, yet to be drafted.

Responding to an enquiry on the open house tour of Alexandra Palace, the CEO confirmed this would be taking place. Post meeting note – Alexandra Palace is not taking part in Open House this year due to programming clashes.

Beer Garden

The CEO noted the Beer Garden had received positive customer feedback. There had been no damage to any of the property or noise complaints received.

Responding to a question on the completeness of the Beer Garden features, the CEO informed that work was still taking place such as treatment of the roof.

Regarding a question on the possibility of the Phoenix Bar providing products from local breweries, the CEO confirmed that there is a contract in place for the provision of drinks at the Palace to ensure that the demand and volume required could be met..

Regarding Appendix 1, the CEO confirmed that the locations for events from 17^th August 2019 would be listed in the minutes. They are as follows:

RESOLVED

To note the contents of this report.