The Alexandra Park and Palace Statutory Advisory Committee met on Monday 1st July 2024, discussing updates on park activities, environmental sustainability projects, and future agenda items. The committee noted reports on the Rewilding London wetland project and the installation of solar panels and LED lighting, and also discussed suggestions for future meetings.

CEO's General Update Report

The committee received a general update on activities at Alexandra Park and Palace from Chief Executive Emma Dagnes. The report covered various aspects including uses and activities, access, safety and inclusion, nature, health and well-being, and management and community involvement. Mark Evison, Head of Park and Environmental Sustainability, highlighted the contributions of volunteer groups, such as the Alexandra Palace Volunteer Gardening Group and corporate groups through The Conservation Volunteers (TCV). The committee was also informed about the ongoing review of park byelaws, with a request for members to send any comments directly to the Chair. Advance notification of park events and closures was noted as being particularly helpful. The committee resolved to note the report.

Rewilding London - Wetland Project Planning

Mark Evison, Head of Park and Environmental Sustainability, presented the report on the Rewilding London wetland project. The project aims to manage surface water flows and increase aquatic habitats within the park. A grant of £50,000 from the Greater London Authority (GLA) Rewild London Project has been received to fund the first phase of this initiative. The scheme, developed with the Friends of Alexandra Park, includes objectives such as controlling surface water, reclaiming muddy paths, establishing a new reed bed to enhance bird diversity, de-silting the pond to improve its capacity and quality, increasing the capacity of the channel system to reduce surface water flow, and creating new ponds to expand aquatic habitat. Phase 1 of the project, which will focus on elements A, D, and E, is scheduled to commence in the autumn. The committee resolved to note the report.

Solar Panels Planning Application

Mark Evison also introduced the report on the installation of solar panels and LED lighting as part of the Trust's commitment to sustainability. Haringey Council awarded Community Carbon Fund grants for two projects: the installation of solar panels on the sports pavilion and the replacement of existing lamps on the South Terrace with low-energy LED lights. In partnership with the Alexandra Park Club, 24 solar panels will be installed on the pavilion roof, expected to generate 10,000 kWh of electricity annually. The South Terrace lighting project will see 52 decorative lamps replaced with LEDs, halving their power consumption and saving an estimated 7,370 kWh of electricity per year. The committee resolved to note the report.

Suggestions for Future Agendas

During the discussion on future agenda items, a request was made for councillors and officers to inform the committee about the expenditure of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 funds in relation to new housing and buildings that overlook Alexandra Park and Palace. It was also suggested that the March meeting should focus on the goals for Alexandra Park and Palace for the 2025/26 period.