The Alexandra Park and Palace Statutory Advisory Committee met on Thursday 17 September 2026 to review progress on the Charitable Trust's strategic plan, discuss operational improvements for the Summer Series, and consider updates on capital projects. The committee noted the progress report on the Charitable Trust, which highlighted achievements in entertainment, culture, climate resilience, heritage asset protection, park management, archives, community engagement, and fundraising. They also reviewed feedback and operational changes for the 2026 Summer Series, and received updates on the Panorama Room Replacement Project and other planned capital projects requiring statutory approval.

Charitable Trust Progress Report

The committee received a comprehensive update on the Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust's progress against its Strategic Plan and Vision. Significant achievements were noted across various areas:

• Entertainment, Culture and Visitor Experience: The Trust reported strong delivery of its commercial and cultural programme, with successful events including concerts by Empire of the Sun, the Summer Season, Kaleidoscope Festival, and the Red Bull Soapbox Race. The theatre programme also performed well, with Malory Towers achieving over 90% ticket sales. Leisure attractions like the Ice Rink and Summit Rooftop Experience continued to contribute to the visitor offer, though pedalo operations were temporarily suspended due to low water levels. Preparations were underway for the Fireworks and Drone Festival, festive programming, and the relocation of the PDC World Darts Championship to the Great Hall.
• Climate Change Resilience: Alexandra Park and Palace remains committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2041. Progress has focused on energy efficiency measures, such as improvements to heating and lighting controls, to reduce energy consumption and enhance visitor comfort. Longer-term plans for renewable energy generation and heat decarbonisation are dependent on securing external funding.
• Heritage Assets: A comprehensive drone survey of the Palace was completed to support future maintenance planning. Progress continued on the Great Hall Bridge project, and refurbishment works to the Ice Rink mezzanine toilets were finished. The Joint Control Room/Security Room project was progressing, and a major electrical shutdown was successfully undertaken for maintenance. The Great Hall Toblerone replacement project was also completed, including upgrades to emergency lighting and PAVA systems.
• Park and Environmental Management: Preparatory works for the summer events programme were undertaken, and efforts were made to water young trees during drought conditions. Following a fire in the composting area, additional fire prevention measures were implemented, and the Park Fire Management Plan was reviewed. Volunteers and community groups made significant contributions to environmental and conservation projects. Alexandra Park was awarded Green Flag status for 2026 for the nineteenth time.
• Archives and Heritage Engagement: The archive digitisation project continued, with over 1,000 drawings and plans digitised, though progress was slower than anticipated due to enhanced cyber security requirements. Archive volunteers supported preservation, cataloguing, and public access.
• Community Engagement and Learning: Preparations were underway for the 90th anniversary of BBC television broadcasting from Alexandra Palace. Community engagement activities included programmes for older people, photography workshops, youth initiatives, and performances by students from the Performing Arts School. Volunteer involvement remained strong, and the Community Herb Garden project progressed.
• Fundraising and Organisational Resilience: Fundraising activity continued to support the Strategic Plan. The Alexandra Park Wetlands crowdfunding campaign exceeded its target, raising over £24,000.
• Restoration and Capital Projects: Progress continued on the Creative Campus Phase 1 project and the Panorama Room Replacement Project, with planning and listed building consent applications being prepared. These projects aim to bring underused spaces back into active use.
• Partnerships and Skills Development: Discussions were progressing with education and heritage sector partners to establish heritage skills training at Alexandra Palace, including a pilot lime plastering programme.

The Committee noted the contents of the report.

Summer Series Report

The Committee received a report summarising resident feedback from the 2025 Summer Series and the operational improvements implemented for the 2026 series. Key points noted included:

• Transport and Traffic: Additional security was deployed to manage taxi pickups, and a pilot Uber geo-fencing scheme was introduced around The Avenue and Dukes Avenue. One resident complaint was received regarding the geo-fencing, which was referred to Uber, and the approach will be reviewed for future events.
• The Avenue Parking: Parking suspensions were introduced in response to previous resident concerns. Further discussion with residents and Haringey Council is necessary to determine whether these should remain, be amended, or be removed.
• W3 Bus Service: Alexandra Palace worked with TfL to introduce a revised diversion route for the W3 bus service, ensuring that no stops were entirely unserved during road closures.
• Alexandra Palace Way Closures: The road closure remained necessary to facilitate event infrastructure and safe delivery, and the team continued to review whether its duration 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.
• Plant and Machinery Noise: Less intrusive white-noise warning systems were used where possible, with 9 out of 11 items of plant fitted with these alternative systems.
• West-Side Entrance: A second entrance was introduced on the west side of the site to provide more direct access and reduce footfall along Dukes Avenue.
• Sound Management: Recorded sound levels remained below the permitted 75dB limit, with a maximum of 65dB recorded. A total of 46 noise complaints were received, with no breaches of permitted sound levels identified. Additional post-event teams were deployed to address noise and anti-social behaviour associated with departing crowds.
• Piccadilly Line Closure: The closure on the final event day resulted in increased pressure on local transport, Alexandra Palace Station, and hire bike provision. Discussions are continuing with TfL regarding advance notification and mitigation of future closures.
• Policing and Safety: 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.
• Wildflowers: Minimal impact from event fencing was identified on the wildflower area, which is scheduled to be reseeded in a different location for 2027.
• Communications: A comprehensive communications campaign was undertaken, and further communication methods are being reviewed.
• Safety Advisory Group: The post-event debrief with the Safety Advisory Group was reported as wholly positive, with no licensing concerns raised. 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, and members were advised that these measures had been successful. The post-event Safety Advisory Group debrief was also noted as highly positive.

Panorama Room Report

The Committee received an update on the progress of the Panorama Room Replacement Project. The existing Panorama Room has reached the end of its serviceable life, and its replacement is expected to improve sustainability, accessibility, structural performance, and long-term maintenance, while supporting the continued commercial and charitable operations of Alexandra Palace.

StarLive has been appointed as the Main Contractor, and design work has commenced. The project includes the removal of the existing structure, conservation and stabilisation works to the historic basements, repairs to the slab and colonnade, and the construction of a new single-storey structure. Alexandra Palace has entered into a Planning Performance Agreement with Haringey Council, with planning and listed building consent applications planned for submission by 30 September 2026.

The project is expected to cost approximately £3.5 million and is proposed to be funded through a loan from Haringey Council, with increased revenue from events expected to support loan repayments. Subject to consents and funding, construction is anticipated to take approximately six months, with completion expected in October 2027, in time for the 2027 World Darts Championship. Key project risks, including planning consent, funding, construction costs, operational disruption, and potential unforeseen works to the historic basements, are being managed.

The Committee noted the key project risks and was advised that the project is being actively managed. The Committee noted the contents of the report.

Planning, Advertising and Listed Building Consent Report

The Committee received an update on the pipeline of projects requiring statutory approval. These include the Creative Campus and Heritage Hub: Phase 1, Visitor Experience Improvements (toilets), and the West Yard Shutter Upgrade.

• Creative Campus and Heritage Hub: Phase 1: This project will support the future use of the North East Office Building, improve facilities for creative learning, archives, community groups, and the Haringey Music Service. It also includes landscaping of the Theatre and NEOB Courtyards and improvements to the Transmitter Hall. Funding support is being sought from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other potential funders, with delivery anticipated from 2028.
• Visitor Experience Improvements Project (toilets): This project has been developed in response to feedback regarding existing toilet provision, particularly at the eastern end of the Palace. It aims to provide additional permanent facilities to support the East Court, Ice Rink, and Great Hall.
• West Yard Shutter Upgrade: This project will replace the existing shutter with two smaller shutters to improve operational resilience, security, efficiency, and heat retention. It will require Listed Building Consent.

The toilet and West Yard Shutter projects are expected to be delivered during 2027, subject to funding and consent. The Committee sought assurance on the benefits and funding arrangements for these proposed projects and was advised that they would contribute to the long-term vision for Alexandra Palace. The Committee noted the contents of the report.

The Committee also noted the dates of future meetings, with the next scheduled for 30 November 2026.