The Alexandra Palace and Park Consultative Committee met on Thursday, 25 January 2024, to discuss a range of updates and plans for the park and palace. Key decisions included the adoption of the Consultative Committee Charter and Action Plan, and the noting of reports on the CEO's General Update and the Fabric Maintenance Plan.

CEO's General Update Report

The Chief Executive, Emma Dagnes, presented a comprehensive update on activities across Alexandra Park and Palace, covering Creative Learning, Park operations, Property, and Events. Significant developments included the appointment of ROOFF Limited as the Main Contractor for the first phase of repairs to the North East Office Building, with works scheduled to run until May 2024. Discussions are ongoing to address a funding gap for the reactivation of the Campsbourne Building for community use.

An online visitor survey has been launched to gather feedback on the northern area of the park, including the skatepark, playground, and Boating Lake, to support future improvement projects and funding applications. The Café Restaurant has been brought in-house and is being managed by the Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust (APPCT).

Mark Evison, Head of Park and Environmental Sustainability, highlighted updates on rubbish collection, volunteer activities, and traffic improvements. He noted that approximately 6,000 visitors attended the park on New Year's Eve, requiring a significant cleanup effort. Rubbish collection figures are nearing pre-pandemic levels. Corporate volunteers have contributed to woodland work, and the Chair commended efforts on Bedford Road.

During the discussion, it was noted that plans for a themed East Court Café would be pursued when funding permits. The possibility of a BBC documentary on Alexandra Palace was discussed, with the Trust acknowledging their strategic partnership with the BBC, particularly in celebrating 90 years of television. Members expressed pleasure at the wider borough engagement in creative learning activities and looked forward to the Macbeth performance. Details on road closures for upcoming events would be shared publicly once finalised. The committee resolved to note the report.

Fabric Maintenance Plan

Iain McDonald, Head of Property & Facilities, introduced the report on the Fabric Maintenance Plan (FMP). The report detailed repairs and maintenance progress made in 2022/23 and 2023/24, along with priorities for the upcoming year. The FMP, originally a ten-year plan, is now being used as a framework for ongoing repairs and maintenance planning due to additional work undertaken, such as the East Wing Restoration Project.

Key findings from a structural survey highlighted priority areas including roof and bridge repairs, with 147 Great Hall roof glazing units identified for immediate replacement and extensive repairs needed for the Emergency Exit Bridge and public footbridge. Safety upgrades are also a priority, focusing on electrical installation systems in key visitor areas, including distribution board replacements and emergency lighting upgrades. The report also identified potential for energy efficiency improvements through BMS controls, heating system upgrades, and LED lighting. Aesthetic enhancements for both interior and exterior facilities, along with pathway improvements, were also noted as beneficial.

The Trustee Board approved the following priorities for 2024/25: urgent roof and glazing repairs, safety upgrades (including distribution boards, emergency lighting, smoke vent and damper remedial works, CCTV infrastructure, and hostile vehicle mitigation systems), energy efficiency measures, aesthetic enhancements, and long-term planning for maintenance and renovation. The committee resolved to note the report.

Charter, Workshop Actions & Follow-Up

John Chilton introduced the amended Consultative Committee Charter and Action Plan, which outlines the expectations for committee members, the Chair, and Trust staff and Council officers. The charter details responsibilities such as understanding terms of reference, preparing for meetings, active participation, and maintaining professionalism. Expectations for the Chair include facilitating meetings, ensuring active participation, and maintaining decorum. Responsibilities for Trust staff and Council officers involve providing administrative support, remaining impartial, and preparing reports in a timely manner.

The action plan outlines ongoing and implemented initiatives, including the hosting of hybrid meetings, increasing the Consultative Committee's profile, and ensuring an agenda item for public views and questions. The committee resolved to adopt the attached Charter.

Matters Raised by Interested Groups

No matters were raised by interested parties during the meeting.

Views/ Questions from Members of the Public

No views or questions were submitted by members of the public.

Suggestions for Future Agendas

No items were raised for future agendas.

The meeting concluded at 21:04.