Agenda item

The Committee noted a report summarising resident feedback from the 2025 Summer Series and the operational improvements implemented for the 2026 Summer Series, together with key issues arising from the 2026 events.

The following points were noted:

• Transport and traffic: Additional security was deployed to manage taxi pick-ups, and a pilot Uber geo-fencing scheme was introduced around The Avenue and Dukes Avenue during event times. One resident complaint was received regarding the geo-fencing, which was referred to Uber. The approach would be reviewed for future events.
• The Avenue parking: Parking suspensions had been introduced in response to previous resident concerns. Further discussion with residents and Haringey Council was identified as necessary to determine whether these should remain, be amended or removed.
• W3 bus service: Following feedback from residents and ward councillors, Alexandra Palace worked with TfL to introduce a revised diversion route. This ensured that no stops were entirely unserved during road closures, with only five stops missed across the eastbound and westbound services, excluding Alexandra Palace Way.
• Alexandra Palace Way closures: The Committee noted that the road closure remained necessary to facilitate event infrastructure and safe delivery. The team continued to review whether the duration of the closure could be reduced for future events.
• Hire bikes: Alexandra Palace worked with Lime and other operators to manage the increased number of hire bikes around the park and remove obstructions where necessary. Increased usage was particularly noted on the day of the Piccadilly line closure.
• Plant and machinery noise: Less intrusive white-noise warning systems were used where possible, with 9 of the 11 items of plant fitted with the alternative systems.
• West-side entrance: A second entrance was introduced on the west side of the site to provide more direct access and reduce additional footfall along Dukes Avenue.
• Sound management: Across the seven events, recorded sound levels remained below the permitted 75dB limit, with a maximum of 65dB recorded. A total of 46 noise complaints were received, of which 26 included addresses and requested monitoring visits. No breaches of permitted sound levels were identified. Additional post-event teams were also deployed to address noise and anti-social behaviour associated with departing crowds, with positive resident feedback received.
• Piccadilly line closure: The closure on the final event day resulted in increased pressure on local transport, Alexandra Palace Station and hire bike provision. The matter was raised with TfL, with discussions continuing around advance notification and mitigation of future closures.
• Policing and safety: There was only one occasion when police were called to site during the concert run. A Metropolitan Police presence was maintained on each event day, providing a visible and reassuring presence.
• Cleaning: Full post-event cleaning was undertaken across the event site and key surrounding routes, including Alexandra Palace Way, Dukes Avenue and The Avenue. Alexandra Palace continued to offer support to neighbouring businesses where appropriate.
• Wildflowers: Minimal impact from event fencing was identified. The wildflower area was scheduled to be reseeded in a different location for 2027 to avoid future conflict with event infrastructure.
• Communications: A comprehensive communications campaign had been undertaken, including 8,000 resident leaflets, signage, stakeholder emails, committee updates and social media activity. Further communication methods were being reviewed.
• Safety Advisory Group: The post-event debrief with the Safety Advisory Group, attended by representatives from the Metropolitan Police, LBH Licensing, TfL and LBH Highways, was reported as wholly positive. No licensing concerns were raised, and agencies confirmed that they were satisfied with the planning and delivery of the Summer Series. The main action was for Alexandra Palace to investigate options for shortening the Alexandra Palace Way road closure for future events.

The Committee sought assurance that measures introduced to mitigate the impact of the Summer Series on local residents had been effective. Members were advised that additional security and a pilot Uber geo-fencing scheme had been implemented to manage transport and traffic, with only one resident complaint received, while collaboration with TfL on the W3 bus diversion had ensured that no stops were entirely unserved during road closures.

The Committee also noted that the post-event Safety Advisory Group debrief had been highly positive, with representatives from key partner agencies expressing satisfaction with the planning and delivery of the events and raising no licensing concerns. It was further noted that the main recommendation arising from the review was for Alexandra Palace to explore opportunities to reduce the duration of the Alexandra Palace Way road closure for future events, whilst maintaining safe event operations.