Agenda item

This report provides an update on Alexandra Park and Palace including planning and policy issues in relation to Alexandra Park and Palace and additional information on the events programme and a range of activities of the Charitable Trust.

Louise Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, introduced the report which provided a general update Alexandra Park and Palace, additional information on the events programme, and a range of activities of the Charitable Trust. She noted that, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, there had been some changes since the report was written but she would provide short updates on each section of the report.

Governance

In relation to governance, it was noted that the changes to Board members were listed in the report.

It was commented that the item which would be of most interest to the Committees was likely the Board’s approval of the car parking charge proposals. It was explained that the Board had received permission, by way of a section 105 Order, from the Charity Commission to implement the car parking charges.

At its meeting on 14 September 2020, the Board approved recommendations relating to the future relationship between the Trust and the Friends of Alexandra Palace Theatre (FOAPT); further information was set out in the Board report. A member of the Consultative Committee stated that the changes to the constitution had been imposed on the FOAPT and they did not believe that the changes were necessary. They believed that there was a role for an active group to promote and support the theatre and it was commented that the FOAPT provided free and informed advice which was important for developing policies.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) explained that, now the theatre had been restored and the FOAPT was defining its future role and purpose, it was considered appropriate to bring the relationship between the Trust and the FOAPT in line with other, similar, interest groups. It was noted that the Trust had advised the FOAPT to review its governance arrangements but that no timeframe had been decided and the Trust had assured the FOAPT that this could be done at their own pace. The CEO emphasised that the Trust welcomed the continuation of the FOAPT and looked forward to working with them in the future.

A member of the Consultative Committee noted that a bollard had been damaged on the site and enquired whether this could be repaired. The CEO reported that this had been noted. 

The CEO also noted that, in terms of improving accessibility, Alexandra Palace had been awarded silver status by Attitude is Everything; this was a music industry standard for visitor experience for people with disabilities. It was noted that work towards this had been underway for some time and the team was congratulated for achieving this despite the additional pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Covid update

It was noted that the Covid-19 update was now out of date due to the recent introduction of increased restrictions. Due to the heightened risks from fireworks and the introduction of a new national lockdown period, Alexandra Palace Way had been closed for 5 November 2020 (fireworks night) and the weekend and this would end on Monday. It was noted that road closures would be continually reviewed based on the levels of anti-social behaviour.

It was also noted that, as the Visitor Services Team was working remotely and was under increased pressure, local residents might experience difficulties in contacting Alexandra Palace by phone. It was noted that a contact form was available on the website and residents were encouraged to use this if possible. 

A member of the Consultative Committee noted that Alexandra Palace had applied to the Cultural Recovery Fund and enquired whether a decision had been made. The CEO explained that the outcome of the application had not been communicated yet but that a decision was expected shortly.

A member of the Consultative Committee enquired how the Trust was coping with the financial challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The CEO explained that planning was exceptionally difficult due to the regular changes to government guidance and restrictions. The Trust had made some significant budget cuts which could not be sustained if it was to properly care for Alexandra Park and Palace. Some emergency funding had been received from Haringey Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and through public fundraising. However, the CEO emphasised that funding was extremely tight and that the next few years would be challenging. The team had been set back approximately five years but it was anticipated that recovery would be possible in a shorter timeframe due to the expertise and working relationships built by the team.

At the moment, it was hoped that the Christmas programme of activities could continue; the Trust was planning to deliver the programme unless there were any additional announcements from the government or the licensing authority. It was added that recent events had been successful but had been required to operate with reduced numbers.

Park

It was noted that Alexandra Park had received a Green Flag Award for the thirteenth year in a row, a Green Heritage Award for the eleventh year in a row, and three gold awards from London in Bloom. It was commented that there had been concerns that the park might not receive some awards this year due to the additional littering cause by the increased number of visitors to the park.

The CEO explained that this had been possible due to the support and advice of the Friends of the Park and the volunteers, including a large number of new volunteers.

Heritage and Interpretation

It was explained that the heritage and interpretation agenda was continuing and was also well supported by volunteers. It was added that further heritage information could be found on the blog of the Alexandra Palace website.

It was enquired whether there had been any progress in relation to the conservation and heritage review. The CEO noted that the Heritage Significance Assessment consultation had taken place and officers were reviewing the responses. It was commented that an update would be provided but that, due to other priorities and staffing implications, it was anticipated that this update would be ready in 2021.

Creative learning

It was explained that creative learning had been able to continue during lockdown due to its restricted funding which could only be used to deliver the charitable purposes (i.e. the creative learning activity plan). It was also noted that the team was developing a number of programmes and were working creatively to deliver during lockdown.

Events

It was reported that, due to the recent government announcement of a second national lockdown that had begun on 5 November 2020, the update in the events section was now slightly outdated. It was noted that there would now be no Live at Ally Pally in November and these events would be rescheduled for 2021. The ice rink had been briefly re-opened but it was now required to close to the public. However, it was noted that the ice remained frozen during this lockdown to enable rehearsals and private hire.

RESOLVED

To note the report.