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.

The Chair invited Member comments in relation to the CEO’S report as set out. The following was noted:

Park update

• Regarding the new pond in the Grove, the CEO informed this was still in development, being completed by volunteers who visited the site on a weekly basis. 
• Regarding the Tree Planting Project, the CEO informed the trees composition wouldbe confirmed in the minutes, with more information provided by the Tree Park Manager (Action: CEO/Park Manager).
• Regarding the budget for street lighting, the CEO explained that some of the street lighting had been budgeted for, but costs varied year on year. In years where additional funding was required, it would depend on other works needed to be funded from the budget.

Theatre

• The CEO noted that profit from filming in the Theatre or East Wing was a matter reserved for the trading subsidiary. However, the profit margin was dependent on the type of filming with some types being more lucrative than others.
• Regarding the list of events, the Trust Secretary noted these were circulated to SAC & CC Members in a monthly ‘What’s On’ email.
• Discussing the Forward Programme for the theatre, the CEO informed that what was able to be released in the public domain appears on the what’s on list and the website.  

Creative Learning

• Regarding the graffiti on the Grove Pedestrian Bridge, the CEO confirmed she would inform the Creative Learning team to put up notices to help prevent against any further graffiti (Action: CEO).
• In answer to a question about provision for people with Autism, the CEO stated that the team were assessing what more can be done for a range of needs.

West Yard Storage Building

• Members indicated that having been consulted on the number of planning matters and a new planning application at West Yard Storage Building, they were satisfied with those plans and had raised no comments.
• The CEO confirmed that no decision had been taken with regards to whether the West Yard Tower building was to be hired for any specific purpose.

Events and Noise Management

• The CEO acknowledged that as standard lessons learnt from the 2019 fireworks event and a review of the event was to be carried out.
• Regarding the fencing put up for the fireworks event, the CEO explained that all fencing erected was considered necessary for the purposes of safety and to prevent access to the event. The CEO acknowledged that the signage could be improved and would inform the relevant team to address (Action: CEO).
• The CEO assured Members that Trust staff were always present at any event held at the Palace and Park and oversaw external companies, such as the ones responsible for delivering the fireworks.
• Regarding noise complaints, the CEO informed that those included in the report were those received by the Palace, which were roughly in line with the number received in the previous year. A yearly comparison of noise complaints received would be misleading as the number and type of events held at the Palace and Park varied year on year. 
• The CEO informed the Board that if the Trust was able to identify which contractors caused damage to drains at the Palace and Park then it would charge them for the cost of repairs. However, in circumstances where the Trust was unable to identify those responsible, damage is listed in the maintenance log and repairs covered by the relevant event budget. Ticket sales include a restoration levy, a proportion of which is allocated to park maintenance. 

RESOLVED

To note the contents of this report.