Agenda item

The Chair asked for a brief introduction of the circulated report.

The Park Manager – Mr Evison in a succinct introduction, advised that under the contact conditions there was a period of warranty and certain works had been identified as remedial works which would be undertaken between now and the end of the project, as follows:

·      anti-skid coating at the Bedford Road entrance; replacement due to be carried out during July and, weather permitting, being completed within 10 days;

·      weeding and mulching of holly hedge facing the Avenue;

·      planting up empty area of Lakeside shrub beds;

·      replacing tar spray and chip coating at Dukes Avenue entrance;

·      replacement of failed tree planting.

In respect of the Pitch and Putt, Lakeside Café and Grove Kiosk Mr Evison advised that the negotiations on the lease terms of all three facilities were completed. The Grove Kiosk opened for drinks and snacks on 17^th June and the operator was considering use of the band stand area for weekend music events to compliment his service.  The Lakeside Café opened on 23^rd June with a snack and drink service accompanied by some light Jazz music.  Once construction of the kitchen was completed the operator did intend to offer an enhanced range of hot food, snacks and drinks. It was reported that the jazz was very popular on the opening weekend and consideration was being given to the band performing every Saturday throughout the summer.  Mr Evison reported that both café operators were considering further development their facility in the future.  The Grove Kiosk operator was considering expansion of the seating area and addition of a conservatory to the building to provide year round accommodation.  The Lakeside Café operator was considering enclosing the covered section between the two buildings.

Mr Evison further reported that with regard to the Pitch and Putt course this was now laid out and the new greens were seeded with high quality grass seed formulated for golf greens.  It was hoped that the operation would commence in late July once the new grass had become sturdy enough to support regular play.  The Information Centre in the Grove is now open, initially for a trial period on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12.00pm to 2.00pm.  There were on average five visitors per session, despite the recent wet weather.  It was hoped that in the future the Friends of Alexandra Park would assist in increasing the opening hours.

The Chair thanked Mr Evison for his comprehensive report, and sought clarification as to the removal of dead trees, and when this would happen.  In response Mr Evison advised that the removal would take place around November time.

The General Manager – Mr Loudfoot advised the Board that in respect of the meeting of the Statutory Advisory Committee on 3 July 2007 and the request of the Statutory Advisory Committee that :-

i.that the Alexandra Palace and Park Board be requested as a matter of urgency to ask TfL and LUC to find a way of maintaining the former bus stop at the eastern up side of Alexandra Palace Way, and as close as possible to its present location; and

ii.            That the Alexandra Palace and Park Board be requested as a matter of urgency to look at the possibility of funding for improved signage in and around the Park, and in the areas surrounding the Park’s perimeter as there was general overall lack of indication signage that a park was there.

With regard to point (i) Mr Loudfoot advised that meetings had taken place with officers from TfL and LUC and it had been confirmed that the former bus stop at the eastern up side of Alexandra Palace Way would be reinstated near to the former stop.  In respect of point (ii) it was the case that as detailed in para 6.6 of the report finger post signage was being looked at as part of interpretative signage improvements around entrances to the Park.

Concerning the Boating Lake tendering process Mr Loudfoot advised that it had not been possible to obtain tenderes for the boating lake.. However the current operator at Regents Park had expressed an interest in running the operation on a short term basis.

The Chair asked if there were any points of clarification. 

Councillor Peacock sought clarification as to the boat operator from Regents Park and whether they would supply their own boats.  In response Mr Loudfoot advised that the operator would supply between 10/20 new boats. Mr Loudfoot confirmed that the Battersea Park Parks service had given a glowing reference of the operation of boats on their Park waters by the same operator.    

Ms Paley asked when the boat operation was likely to commence and Mr Loudfoot confirmed if the Board were to agree to this offer of service then that this would be within 10 days of agreement.

In response to questions from Councillor Beacham with regard to the carriageway repairs at the Bedford Road entrance Mr Loudfoot advised that a walkabout the road with the Contractor had been undertaken with a view to repair 14 days previously.  Consequently a price was awaited for the repair work from the substantive contractor for resurfacing, which would be paid by them in terms of penalty costs etc.

Councillor Hare raised an issue with regard to resurfacing of the west gate road and the loose chippings, as well as gulley and drainage issues and erosion problems.  In response Mr Loudfoot and Mr Evison undertook to look at the issues and meet with the landscape contractors to see what preventive or other remedial actions could be taken to overcome the erosion difficulties.

Councillor Dogus commented generally on the speed of traffic in the vicinity of the Palace and whether there were any further plans for traffic calming measures. She particularly referred to the difficulties that joggers encountered on the approach roads either side of the Palace. In response Mr Loudfoot advised that there were some traffic calming measures in place which did assist in speed restriction. However it was not possible to put in speed bumps or chicanes because of the bus route through the Park.

Councillor Egan referred to lights 213/215 and their need for replacement and the difficulties with graffiti on Park benches, together with the curbing at Bedford Road, which was rather uneven and a hazard. Mr Loudfoot and Mr Evison noted the comments from Councillor Egan and advised that in respect of the graffiti this would be addressed in a general clean and brush up exercise, the uneven curb sides at Bedford Road would be looked at, and the lights issue would be addressed.

Councillor Peacock referred to the issue of graffiti around the skateboard park area and whether this encouraged graffiti elsewhere.  Mr Loudfoot advised that the introduction of the additional graffiti walls had reduced the overall amount of graffiti overall but it was the case that there were sometimes increased incidents throughout the park.

The Chair then concluded that the Board should give its consent to the entering into of negotiations with the Regents Park Boat operator for a temporary period of pleasure boat operation on the lake at Alexandra Palace.

On a MOTION by the Chair it was:

RESOLVED 

i.That the contents of the update report be noted;

ii.            that the General Manager Alexandra Palace be authorised to enter into negotiations with the Regents Park Boat Hire Group with an intention to supply and manage the boating operation on the lake at Alexandra Palace for a temporary period; and

iii.           that the comments and concerns of Board Members in respect of a number of issues relating to the HLF as detailed be noted and further examined/actioned.