Agenda item

The cabinet member for Culture and Leisure considered a report which sought approval for the hire of Finsbury Park to stage two multi-event weekends each year for a five-year period.

Cllr Worrell and Cllr Abela joined the meeting online and asked questions on the report and decision. The following was noted:

·         Regarding fee changes for the hire of the park over the proposed five-year hire period, it was explained that the hirer will be charged in line with inflation. The Council’s fees and charges policy and meant that hire fees are reviewed each year and changes agreed by Cabinet.

·         There were several clauses in the contract that described grounds for termination. This information was commercially sensitive, but assurance was provided that these were standard clauses to protect the legal position of the council.

·         The hirer had specific contractual responsibilities regarding the environment, and this was part of the Event Management Planning Strategy. Post- event analysis would assess if any damage was caused to the environment. All concerns and issues would be picked up at an operational level and dealt with accordingly.

·         Regarding the decision’s classification as a 'Non-Key Decision' in view of the decision impacting more than one ward. It was noted that legal advice had previously been sought on this matter. Technically, the event only sat in one ward. Although there was an effect on other wards, this was considered temporary and therefore did not meet the criteria. There have been consultations with other recognised stakeholders within all surrounding wards and boroughs regarding the event, and these responses were included in the decision-making reports to inform the decision.

·         In response to the increased capacity offered to Krank Events and the value for money the council would receive, it was noted that this was only a 2% increase from 5% of the park to 7%. This meeting could not comment on the discussions held at Licensing committee on the increased footprint. Assurance was provided that the layout of the site for the event recognised the tree space. It was noted that the slightly increased area also relieves some pressure on the trees in this vicinity. Cllr Arkell advised that the charging structure was agreed by Cabinet and the charge for the site will reflect the number of tickets sold. With the increase in capacity more tickets would be sold and thus a good return would be likely.

·         A question was then raised about ecology monitoring. It was noted that Hirers were required to follow the Biodiversity Review guidance as well as sections of the contract on the protection of trees. Until the full Biodiversity Review had been agreed, the hirers had employed an Ecologist to make sure that the roots of trees were not inadvertently damaged. A Conservation Officer would also be onsite to make sure the hirers are keeping to council expectations.

·         The availability of locally sourced produce at the event was also queried, as well as the chance of local employment opportunities.  Sarah Jones said she would follow up with her team to see if there have been any improvements in the use of locally sourced foods. Cllr Arkell would investigate further on the provision of local employment opportunities at the event.

See Addendum for responses to questions from Cllr Rossetti provided in writing.

No further questions.

RESOLVED.

Pursuant to contract standing order 16.02, to authorise the Director of Environment and Resident Experience.1)To approve conditional in principle agreement to hire Finsbury Park to the Applicants (for the events detailed in the report) and 2) To agree the park, hire terms and conditions to hire Finsbury Park to the Applicant for events provided that the Director of Environment and Resident Experience is satisfied with the terms of any proposed agreements and permissions.