Agenda item

To note the general update.

CEO Emma Dagnes presented the Chief Executive’s General Update report, which included updates on Creative Learning, Park, Property, and Events activities. The Advisory (SAC) and Consultative (CC) committees reviewed this information during their meetings on January 25th.

Unit38, specialists leading the Shaping The Grove public engagement exercise, provided a brief presentation to the SAC & CC on January 25th outlining the approach. An online survey, "Shaping the Grove," containing 27 multiple-choice questions and text boxes for additional comments, is now open to gather feedback. There are currently 500 responses to the Grove Masterplan Consultation.

Work on repairing the North East Office Building (NEOB) has already commenced. The first phase, aimed at making the NEOB watertight, started and is expected to finish in May 2024.

Efforts are underway to address a funding gap for the reactivation of the Campsbourne Building to meet required standards for public access.

An online visitor survey was launched in October to gather feedback on the northern area of the Park, including the skatepark, playground, and Boating Lake. The data collected will support improvement projects and funding requests.

The People’s Picture, a giant Mural project in the East Court, is currently in development.

The Café Restaurant project, situated in a listed building, is progressing through the RIBA stage, though there is still considerable work to be done.

Mark Evison, Head of Park and Environmental Sustainability, provided a brief introduction to the Park and Environmental Sustainability section of the report. He mentioned updates on rubbish collection, volunteer activity, traffic improvements, and memorial benches. Additionally, he noted that on New Year's Eve, there were an estimated 6,000 visitors to the park.

The following points were noted in the discussion:

• Cllr O'Donovan expressed concern about the state of the notice boards, noting vandalism and green mould, highlighting their significance as the first impression for new visitors. He inquired about the timeline for improving their appearance. The response outlined plans for refurbishment, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to address structural issues comprehensively. Despite previous challenges with short-term fixes, funding has now been secured for the refurbishment project.
• A concern was raised regarding the unsightly appearance of the concrete and plastic barriers on the Main Road, questioning their permanence. Emma Dagnes responded that they were installed temporarily during Covid to address safety concerns related to anti-social behaviour. The concrete barriers are not for pedestrian use but to deter such behaviour, which has been a long-standing issue.
• A concern was raised about New Year's Eve, which drew 6,000 visitors. It was noted that this attendance represented a slight decrease compared to previous years. Additionally, it was highlighted that New Year's Eve is not a public display and is not considered an appropriate place for young children. This aspect has been clarified in communications, and collaboration with the police is ongoing to address any related issues.
• Alexandra Park and Palace was promoted as a free fireworks viewing location by some sources, leading to criminal disorder issues as individuals set off their own fireworks.
• On Creative Learning it was noted that the current focus is on projects to commemorative Alexandra Palace’s 150th Anniversary continue including outreach towards an exhibition and mural concluding in the Spring of 2024.
• Rhythm Stick, our night club for adults with disabilities, took place on the 14^th December in Marcus Garvey Library as part of the Young Creative Network (YCN) programme.
• The Transmitter Hall and Creativity Pavilion continues to be used regularly for community group activities and rehearsals including: boxing and skating clubs, Haringey Music Service and other local music groups and the theatre school.
• Alexandra Palace’s Young Actors Company are currently working with the former Associate Director of The Hampstead Theatre, Jonny Siddle, on a version of Macbeth based on the young people’s experiences of living in Haringey. The performance will take audiences on a tour of the Palace’s basements, opening this rarely seen space for visitors as part of the 150th programme.
• A Biblio-buzz tour of literary based activities is currently being finalised with Haringey and Enfield Libraries which will include author readings, performances, crafts workshops, and creative writing activities.
• On Volunteering at the Palace, 60 Active volunteers are embedded in numerous departments across Alexandra Park & Palace and delivering: stewarding in the theatre/events, archive and interpretation, image moderation, curation, supporting creative learning activities, assistants teaching, designing/running tours, and gardening. A new recruitment drive is planned for early 2024 to increase the number of Theatre volunteers.
• Emma Dagnes encouraged the members of the Board as well as Consultative Committee and Statutory Advisory Committee to keep updated with what’s on at Alexandra Park on the website.

AGREED:

The Board noted the content of the report and noted feedback from the stakeholder committees.