Agenda item

TO FOLLOW

The Committee received an update on progress to date in the financial year 2025/26, aligned with the Trust’s vision to create a sustainable home for all its activities. The work presented under each goal reflected progress since the previous Board report.

It was reported that a wide programme of concerts had taken place, including Dom Dolla, Amyl and the Sniffers, Turnstile, Jyoty, Wilkinson, Electric Callboy, Overmono, Four Tet, Bad Omens and The Hives, with five receiving five-star reviews in the Evening Standard. The Fireworks and Drone Festival had been delivered over 31 October to 1 November during half term and Halloween, although poor weather had affected attendance; options were under review and the 2026 event was scheduled for 7 November. Following the Mosconi Cup, the PDC World Darts Championship had been held across three weeks in December, with the final on 3 January, during which confirmation was made that the event would remain at the Palace until at least 2031 and expand into the Great Hall. A successful two-week run of The Woman in Black had been staged, alongside the return of A Christmas Carol for a six-week festive run. Theatre programming also included Jools Holland, the London Squash Classic, and performances from a range of artists, with Blood Orange receiving a five-star review. Exhibitions and community events included the Knitting and Stitching Show and the Mind Body & Soul show. The planned return of the Red Bull Soapbox Race on 20 June 2026 was highlighted, alongside the announcement of the July 2026 outdoor concert series. Road closures associated with these events were anticipated, with further detail to be provided. The Ice Rink had continued its programme of courses and public skating, including seasonal events, while the Boathouse had opened to the public with revised catering. The Phoenix Bar and Pizzeria had continued to capitalise on event-driven footfall.

An application had been submitted to secure funding for secondary glazing works to improve building thermal efficiency, with a decision expected in Spring 2026. The Theatre Green Book self-assessment had been completed, achieving a basic level and identifying further opportunities to strengthen sustainable practices. Work had commenced with consultants on the Zero Carbon Accelerator project, including review of the clean energy masterplan and exploration of funding and delivery options.

Progress in heritage conservation included completion of the Summit rooftop attraction, scheduled to open in February 2026, delivered using a light-touch conservation approach. Masonry repairs at East Court had continued, addressing defects caused by historic interventions, alongside consultation on limewash finishes and submission of a Listed Building Consent application to improve water management.

Biodiversity and park management activity had been undertaken in partnership with volunteers, including habitat improvements, vegetation management, and construction of a replacement bird-watching platform using partly recycled materials. Gardening and seasonal maintenance work had also progressed, including bulb planting and site clearance, with over 37 tonnes of waste removed during the period. Recognition had been achieved through multiple London in Bloom Gold awards and a silver-gilt award in the Environment category.

A grant had been secured to support the recruitment of an archivist, with cataloguing work underway and scheduled for completion by March 2026. Archive material had been used to enhance exhibitions, displays, events and marketing initiatives, alongside contributions to tours, publications and development of a virtual BBC studios experience.

Community and learning activity had continued across a wide range of programmes, including partnership discussions with Westminster Abbey, delivery of screenings and discussions, support for Carers Rights Day, exhibitions by the Young Creatives Network, youth engagement initiatives, literacy programmes, theatre productions and festive events. Volunteer contributions across gardening, archives and theatre support roles had remained significant, alongside the continued delivery of the Talent Development Programme.

Work to strengthen organisational resilience had progressed, including the expansion of individual giving initiatives, securing of grant funding, and submission of a response to the Local Plan consultation. Improvements to IT infrastructure had been implemented, including migration to a new events management system, network upgrades, transition to cloud-based storage, and enhanced cyber security arrangements in preparation for Cyber Essentials accreditation.

Phase Two of the Boating Lake project had been completed, including full refurbishment of the café to improve visitor experience and operational efficiency. A targeted programme of conservation works and heritage skills training had also been delivered, building internal capability. Procurement activity for the Panorama Room replacement project was ongoing, while outline design and funding preparation work continued for the Creative Campus project. Additional planning applications, including proposals for solar panels, were in development. Partnership activity had included engagement with heritage training organisations to explore future opportunities, alongside formal establishment of a partnership with Haringey Music Service, now based onsite.

RESOLVED:

The report was noted.