The King George's Field Charity Board met on Wednesday 29 May 2024 to discuss the charity's financial position, governance, and the allocation of grant funding. Key decisions included approving increases to hire charges for the Art and Ecology Pavilions and the Stepney Green astroturf facility, and agreeing to proceed with several projects funded by Fields in Trust, including the installation of practice cricket nets and a refreshment kiosk.

King George's Field Trust Update

The Board received an update on the charity's financial position, noting a forecast deficit for the 2023-24 financial year. This deficit was attributed to factors including backdated rent payments and increased repairs and maintenance costs. A plan to reduce this deficit is being developed, with strategies including increasing fees and charges and generating more income from bookings. The impact of COVID-19 on income generation was also discussed, with an estimated £150,000 loss to the charity. Despite this, bookings are recovering, with the Stephanie Green Astroturf performing better than forecasted.

Discussions also covered the installation of CCTV at Wellington Green as part of a wider review of park safety, with a commitment to provide further data on incidents in the area. The board also reviewed the process for gathering client feedback, which includes resident surveys, consultations on improvement works, and the Milan Collaborative.

The Board noted the ongoing work by legal services to clarify the charity's title deeds, which are complex due to over 600 deeds requiring verification. While all deeds have been submitted to the Land Registry, confirmation of their correct status is expected to take some time due to a backlog.

Fees and Charges Review

The Board approved increases to the hire charges for the Art and Ecology Pavilions and the Stepney Green astroturf facility, effective from June 2024. These increases are intended to address rising maintenance and operational costs and are in line with inflation.

• Art and Ecology Pavilions: Hire charges for private bookings will increase by an average of 11.4%. A new corporate booking rate for Tower Hamlets-based charities and not-for-profit organisations will be introduced for weekday, non-peak bookings, offering a 20% reduction on the standard rate.
• Stepney Green Astroturf: Hire charges will increase by between 11.6% and 15%, depending on the booking category and pitch size. These increases aim to ensure the facility remains affordable for local residents while contributing to its upkeep.

The Board also discussed the potential for a new refreshment kiosk at Stepney Green Astroturf to generate additional income, with a £20,000 provision allocated for its development, subject to a full tender process.

Allocation of Fields in Trust Grant Funding

The Board agreed to allocate Fields in Trust grant funding towards several projects:

• Practice Cricket Nets: Funding will support the installation of practice cricket nets at a King George's Field Charity (KGFT) park or open space. This is subject to securing match funding from the English Cricket Board and Middlesex Cricket Board.
• Refreshment Kiosk at Stepney Green Astroturf: A small refreshment kiosk will be created at the Stepney Green Astroturf facility to generate income.
• Playzone Scheme Upgrades: Match funding will be provided towards upgrades to the artificial pitches at Mile End Park. This is part of a wider Play Zones project with London Sport, and the ultimate funding will depend on feasibility studies.

The Board also decided to postpone a decision on proposed play equipment at Milan Park and the installation of CCTV at Wellington Green, requesting further reports and options. Decisions on improving building security and accessibility at Stepney Green were also rejected, with the funds to be used elsewhere.

Update on Leases for Commercial and Retail Assets

The Board noted the status of payments and arrears for retail units at Green Bridge. Discussions are ongoing with Tenant A regarding outstanding arrears and lease arrangements, with a proposal to offset arrears using their rental deposit. The Board also noted the outcomes of rent reviews for Tenant B and ongoing negotiations with Tenant C and Tenant E . The lease renewal arrangements with Tenant D have been concluded, resulting in an income increase for the trust.

The Board also confirmed its terms of reference, membership, and quorum for the 2024-2025 municipal year.