The King George's Field Charity Board was scheduled to meet to discuss finance, activity and governance updates, review fees and charges for 2025/26, and receive an update on commercial property. The board was also expected to note its terms of reference, membership and quorum for 2025/2026. Some of the information relating to commercial leases was marked as exempt from publication.

King George’s Field Trust Review of Fees and Charges 2025/26

The King George’s Field Charity Board was scheduled to review and approve proposed hire charge increases for the Art and Ecology Pavilions from 1 May 2025, and for the Stepney Green astroturf¹ from 1 July 2025.

The report pack stated that the level of inflation was the key factor in determining the recommended changes, and that other factors such as demand, the projected cost of providing the different services, benchmarking with other local authorities and the impact of general economic factors including cost of living on residents and users had been considered.

The report pack noted that the Art and Ecology pavilions are in Mile End Park, which forms part of the King George’s Field Trust estate. The pavilions support the Charity’s objectives through the provision of free to enter art exhibitions and community events. In addition, the pavilions are hired by private, commercial and corporate clients, which helps to generate income for the Charity.

The proposed increased hire rates for 2025/26 for the Art Pavilion were:

• Half day private hire rate - 8hrs (Monday to Thursday) £1,899 (an increase of £60)
• Full day private hire rate – 16hrs (Monday to Thursday) £3,798 (an increase of £121)
• Full day private hire rate – 16hrs (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays*) £4,683 (an increase of £149)
• Corporate hire rate per hour (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays) – minimum 5hrs £186 (an increase of £5)
• Exhibition Rate for 7 days (generally October to April). (9am and to 6pm) £2,360 (an increase of £215)
• Subsidised Exhibition Rate for 7 days (generally, October to April). (9am to 6pm) £1,609 (an increase of £77)

The proposed increased hire rates for 2025/26 for the Ecology Pavilion were:

• Half day private hire rate - 8hrs (Monday to Thursday) £1,582 (an increase of £50)
• Full day private hire rate - 16hrs (Monday to Thursday) £3,165 (an increase of £101)
• Half day private hire rate - 8hrs (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays) £1,899 (an increase of £60)
• Full day private hire rate - 16hrs (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays) £3,798 (an increase of £121)
• Corporate hire rate per hour, (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) – minimum 5hrs £150 (an increase of £4)

The report pack stated that a benchmarking exercise was undertaken to establish where the rates sit for both pavilions against comparable competitors. Venues were chosen for their locations, have similar modern contemporary unique feel and hire options.

The report pack stated that the proposed new charges for Stepney Green astroturf hire charges for two/thirds of a pitch (7 a-side) are on average £18.08 lower for borough-based adults and £5.08 cheaper than non-borough adults (compared to other venues, peak times and including use of changing rooms). For 11 a-side the new rates are on average £48.32 lower for borough-based adults and £25.32 for non-borough adults (peak times).

King George’s Field Trust Finance, Activity and Governance updates

The King George’s Field Charity Board was scheduled to note updates on the submission of audited accounts and annual reports for 2022/23 and 2023/24 to the Charity Commission, the current financial position for 2024/25, and activities delivered in 2024/25.

The report pack stated that the audited accounts and annual report for year ending 31 March 2024 are due for submission to the Charity Commission by the 31 January 2025 and are currently overdue. The accounts are currently being finalised, and the Charity Commission have been notified of the delay.

The major items of income and expenditure were outlined within the account as follows:

• Income - the primary income items are commercial rents generated from shop lettings at Mile End Park and the hire of the Art and Ecology Pavilions. Additional income is generated through Stepney Green astroturf pitch bookings and a corporate volunteer programme.
• Expenditure – the main expenditure items relate to:
  • Salaries – this covers the cost of the Parks Service staff who manage the facilities and provide activities.
  • Repairs and maintenance – including the cost of all repairs to buildings, trees and fences, and grounds maintenance costs.

The report pack stated that the current position is showing a forecasted position of a surplus of £28,630, which is higher than previously reported to the board (£12,500 surplus).

The Charity is forecasting a deficit of £28,800 at the end of 2023/24, resulting in the carried forward deficit estimated at £136,240. Actions are being undertaken by the Charity to mitigate this deficit position including reducing expenditure and increasing income generation opportunities.

The report pack stated that a total of 18,400 participants, across 378 sessions, participated in free to access activities over the school holidays. For Stepney Green astroturf 55,000 participants, including ad-hoc and contractual block bookings is estimated to have used the facility.

King George’s Field Trust – Commercial Property Recommendations and Updates

The King George’s Field Charity Board was scheduled to note ongoing discussions with Tenant A in respect of outstanding arrears and their lease arrangements, and additional information provided in respect of the lease arrangements for Tenant B . The Board was also scheduled to note that an agent has been appointed to market the Mile End Park arches.

The report pack stated that all tenants with the exception of “Tenant A” are up to date with their rent and utility demands.

The report pack stated that Tenant A submitted a proposal to assign their lease and use the rental deposit to offset part of their arrears. Further information regarding this was requested by the Board at the 6 November 2024 meeting, with additional information provided in exempt Appendix 1.

The report pack stated that Tenant B remains as the same company under the lease with a change of company director and change of business/trading name. Additional information provided in exempt Appendix 1 regarding this lease.

The report pack stated that on receipt of bids being received, an initial review will be undertaken by the property agent in order to provide a recommendation. Best value for the Charity will need to be considered and the Board will be provided a report with details of the bids received at a future Board meeting.

Terms of Reference of the King George's Field Charity Board

The King George’s Field Charity Board was scheduled to note its terms of reference, membership and quorum for 2025/2026.

The report pack stated that the current King George’s Field Charity Board is to administer the affairs of the King George’s Field, Mile End charity, and the King George’s Field – Stepney (Tredegar Square, Bow) charity and discharge all duties of the Council as sole trustee of these Charities.

The report pack stated that this covers several pieces of land including Stepney Green Park, Whitehorse Road Open Space, Tredegar Square and most of Mile End Park including Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Mile End Stadium.

The report pack stated that this includes ten shop units situated beneath the ‘Green Bridge’ at Mile End.

The membership of the board will be all Members of the Cabinet and the quorum will be three members of the board.

The Board meetings for the remainder of the year are as follows:

• 29 October 2025
• 7 January 2026
• 4 March 2026