Alexandra Park Palace recent and future developments

Alexandra Park & Palace: recent and future developments R. Kane 5 July 2010

Original Concept 1900 statutory duty to ‘uphold, maintain and repair the Palace and to maintain the said Park and Palace as a place of public resort and recreation and for other public purposes. ’ • Park opened 1863; Palace opened in 1873 • Features: - concert hall - displays re. achievement - picture galleries - Gardens - Theatre - Exhibition hall • The park hosted fetes, horse racing, balloon ascents and firework displays ‘Palace of the People’

Alexandra Palace today

Ownership 1900: Act of Parliament enables Trustees to buy Park & Palace on behalf of the public 1960 s: GLC took over trusteeship 1980: LB Haringey became sole trustee (2 nd fire) 1981: AP&P Charitable Trust registered 1999: AP Trading Limited formed 2008: Aborted attempted to grant a lease to Firoka to run the venue for 125 years 2008: AP Trading Limited re-invigorated

Administer 1900 Act Annual subsidy Responsibility to locals Prime venue Protect Promote Preserve Commercial delivery Operational responsibility Profitable aim to reduce subsidy Trust governance invested here Maintenance and repair Charitable status

Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust BOARD OF TRUSTEES Interim General Manager Office Manager/PA Admin Assistant Receptionist Parks Manager Parks Contractors Park Leaseholders Senior Fire Officers Interim FM Security Contract Integral maintenance contract

Alexandra Palace Trading Limited Managing Director Rebecca Kane Executive Assistant Amanda Sears Head of Catering James Goldberg Head of Events & Leisure Stephen Garner Sales Director VACANT Head of Finance/ Company Secretary Helen Downie Marketing Manager Charlotte Johnson

Aims of APTL 1. Generate profit to gift aid to the Trust for the upkeep of the asset 2. Create the recreational content / activity for Alexandra Palace

The asset is in a state of disrepair – within 12 -24 months major failings will be inevitable

Alexandra Park & Palace to be a vibrant, profitable destination venue offering activity 365 days a year

Major Strategic Issues 1. FINANCIAL • £ 2. 5 m income per annum • 40 -50% building derelict (£ 30 m works required) • Theatre: ‘Buildings at Risk’ register • Leaks, poor repair, out-dated, vandalism • £ 39 m deficit on Trust’s books

Major Strategic Issues 2. GOVERNANCE ISSUES: • Weak • Trustees: x 7 local councillors and 3 non-voting reps. • No independent trustees. • Lack of independent Chair. • Highly politicised in nature. • Trustees’ conflict of interests and lack of continuity • 1900 Act - restrictions

Major Strategic Issues 3. VISION ISSUES: • Failed strategy to hand AP to a developer • No alternative strategy / vision • Lack of confidence in articulating AP&P vision • Artificial divide between Trust & Trading

Major Strategic Issues 4. PUBLIC PERCEPTION ISSUES: • Inward-looking and fearful culture • Lack of media strategy • Local interest • “selling off the family silver” • Poor brand with huge potential

Alexandra Palace – current governance LB Haringey (Sole trustee) APTL Board APPCT Board Panel observer s observers Statutory Advisory Committee reps Local Stakeholder interests Consultative Committee reps Local Stakeholder interests

GOVERNANCE AND FUTURE VISION Project Objectives: 1. ‘Fit for purpose’ Board/s, structures, processes 2. Vision for regeneration

Progress to date: • • Aspiration of financial independence Preferred structure / means of achieving independence TBA Commission further legal work Request creation of a Master Planning working group

Timeline and Process 29 June: JULY: Independence / more legal work Political briefings / Eden + Bexley Stakeholder engagement SEPT: Updates throughout 5 Oct: Agree structural option Nov/Dec: FULL COUNCIL

• 6558 sqm of pillar free event space. • Hosted the likes of the MTV Awards, The Rolling Stones and The Arctic Monkeys. • Home to prestigious IMAGE AREA corporate clients such as Royal Mail and Microsoft. • Looked over by our World famous organ which is over 100 years old. The Great Hall The atmospheric and historical Great Hall is ideal for banquets, concerts, exhibitions and large conferences.

• 2740 sqm with full blackout. • Home of The World Darts Championships, UK Nike 5 -a-side tournament and a visit from Bill Clinton. The versatile West Hall, our second largest room is also The West Hall ideal for conferences, award ceremonies and live events.

IMAGE AREA An elegant welcome from Palm Court, our main entrance; A beautiful 19 th century glass domed atrium filled with palms and fountains. Ideal for registration, receptions, retail and networking. The Palm Court

IMAGE AREA The Palace in Action

£ 2 m investment….

Thank you I would be delighted to answer any questions