Agenda item

City Arts Initiative - Endless Stair

The Superintendent informed the Committee that an opportunity existed for the installation of a City Arts Initiative called Endless Stair but that it required both planning permission and the approval of both the Culture, Heritage and Libraries and the Open Spaces and City Gardens Committees. Given the timescales involved it was requested that the Committee grant delegated authority to officers to progress the project in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

The installation would consist of a series of interlocking stairs and would be around 10m in height. It was proposed to install it in Carter Lane Gardens in September 2013. Construction and dismantling would take around three weeks in total, and the artwork would be in situ for one week. There were issues over the effect the installation would have on views on St Paul’s and the Firefighters Memorial, at which an annual ceremony is held each September.

Members noted that approval has already been granted for the project by the Culture Heritage and Libraries Committee, and that they were happy to grant delegated authority to officers for the approval of the project provided it did not impede the annual ceremony at the Firefighters Memorial.

RESOLVED,that:

·         Delegated authority be granted to officers to progress the Endless Stair arts project in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, provided that the project did not impact negatively on the annual ceremony at the Firefighters Memorial.

Barking-Gospel Oak Rail User Group

The Director noted a proposal from the Barking-Gospel Oak Rail User Group for an officer and Member to attend a Local Authority liaison group, and for the Corporation to contribute an annual sum of £100 to the group’s running costs. After discussing the proposal the Committee agreed that any issues regarding the line be dealt with via the usual channels, including the Department of Built Environment and Transport for London.

RESOLVED, that:

·         The Open Spaces Directorate decline the offer from the Barking-Gospel Oak Rail User Group to nominate an officer to their proposed local authority liaison group, and their request for an annual £100 contribution to the group’s running costs