Agenda item

Members received an update on progress during 2026/27 against the Trust’s strategic objectives and noted continued delivery of a strong commercial, cultural and community programme aligned with the Trust’s vision of creating a sustainable home for all its activities.

The Committee noted that a successful programme of concerts, theatre productions, corporate events and exhibitions had been delivered, including performances by major artists, sporting events and the return of the ABTT Theatre Show and Red Bull Soapbox Race. Strong performance was also reported across leisure activities, including the Ice Rink, boating lake, food and beverage operations and the Summit rooftop experience. Preparations were underway for the summer events programme, including Kaleidoscope Festival, outdoor concerts, theatre productions and the Fireworks and Drone Festival.

Members noted ongoing work to improve climate resilience across the estate, including energy efficiency measures, secondary glazing works at the Old Station, development of a solar PV scheme at the Boathouse and wider carbon reduction planning supported by external funding. It was reported that a carbon footprint report and long-term decarbonisation plan were in development.

The Committee heard that progress had been made in protecting and maintaining heritage assets through infrastructure and estate improvements. These included highway resurfacing works, safety improvements within Palm Court, mobile connectivity upgrades, electrical infrastructure improvements, emergency lighting upgrades, health and safety works, and refurbishment of visitor-facing facilities including the Roman Bar and Willis Bar.

Members noted continued efforts to safeguard and enhance the Park through biodiversity projects, volunteer-led conservation work and the development of a new Park Management Plan. A successful crowdfunding campaign, delivered in partnership with the Friends of the Park, had raised more than £24,000 towards a new boardwalk and wetland improvement project.

The Committee was advised that work continued to improve access to and preservation of the Trust’s archives and heritage collections through the Creative Campus project, archive development initiatives and partnerships with national heritage and media organisations. Additional archive material had been acquired, catalogued and preserved during the reporting period.

Members noted a range of community engagement and learning activities, including the North London Book Fest, Biblio-Buzz Awards, youth theatre productions, creative workshops, talent development programmes and exhibitions. These initiatives had achieved strong public participation and supported opportunities for skills development and creative engagement.

The Committee understood the Trust had continued to strengthen its resilience through partnership working, fundraising activities, skills development programmes and participation in the London Festival of Architecture. Members also noted that the Trust’s new 10-year Strategic Plan had been completed and would guide future development of both the Park and Palace.

It was reported that progress continued on the restoration and reuse of underutilised spaces, including the Panorama Room replacement project and the Creative Campus initiative. Members noted that the Trust had successfully progressed its application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and would submit a further funding bid during the financial year.

The Committee further noted the continued development of partnerships with educational, cultural and heritage organisations, including the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and the Mayor’s Cultural Leadership Board, to support heritage skills, learning opportunities and future strategic ambitions.

Members also noted ongoing work to maintain Alexandra Palace as an inclusive and supportive place to work through continued focus on staff wellbeing, engagement, professional development and organisational culture.

RESOLVED:

1.1 Noted the contents of this report.

1.2 Noted the designs for Wetlands Broadwalk scheme Appendix One