Agenda item

There were several items of other business.

The Board were provided with an update on St Dunstan’s Park.

• Challenges due to Popularity: St Dunstan's in the East is experiencing issues related to its increasing popularity.
• Diverse Uses: The garden is being utilised for various activities, including photography, filming, weddings, and social media content.
• Detriment to Garden and Visitor Experience: The extensive use of the garden for these purposes is negatively impacting the garden's condition and the enjoyment of other visitors.
• Simultaneous Photo Shoots: Multiple professional photo shoots are occurring simultaneously, occupying large portions of the garden.
• Events Policy: In response to this situation, the city implemented an events policy in 2018. This policy regulates professional photography activities and mandates obtaining a license for such events

The board were provided with an update on Bunhill Fields.

• Bunhill Fields: Essential part of city gardens, situated just over the Islington border.
• Joint Management: Managed collaboratively by our team, the Environment team, and City Surveyors.
• Heritage Focus: Focus on heritage preservation and historical structures.
• Chair's Visit: Chair visited the site with the Friends of City Gardens.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Despite historical importance, Bunhill Fields faces common challenges.
• Conservation Management Plan: City Services is spearheading a comprehensive plan, covering all aspects, including graves and structures.
• Progressive Approach: Plan to present it as a dynamic management plan, not a static document to the committee.

The board were provided with a presentation by the Assistant Director/Superintendent, North London Open Spaces on the sports strategy which highlighted the designed which would align with the corporate sports strategy of the Square Mile. Members were informed that the goal was to ensure a cohesive approach, understand user needs, and optimise our facilities within the natural environment.