Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Members received a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath which provided an update on progress, performance and future plans for Hampstead Heath. 

During the discussion, the following points were highlighted and discussed:

Whilst events and private hires were increasing, there had been some decline in ‘walk-in’ sales.  It was noted that additional marketing capacity would be beneficial, even if part time.  Members noted that the Department of Open Spaces had a new Marketing Officer, who had some capacity, and the Principal Curator had submitted a funding bid.

The restructure of the former Culture, Heritage and Libraries Department was working well and Keats House was very pleased with the geographical arrangements.  Members were pleased at the visibility of the Hampsead Heath Constabulary, who had been assisting  duty managers at Keats House.  Whilst welcoming visits from Open Spaces staff, Members asked if they could be given notice and asked if staff could wear name badges. 

The Superintendent was working with the City Surveyor’s Department to raise the profile of building and maintenance and had seen some improved prioritisation for Keats House.  Furthermore, the Heath had a new Facilities Manager, who had been on site regularly with contractors.  Members noted that the new City of London’s Corporate Contractors would be on site in July this year.

The HR arrangements had not changed in order to provide continuity.

The water damage was outstanding and the Superintendent had ensured that this had been  captured in the issues log.

A new digital counting system had been installed in the Garden, using the same technology as Hampstead Heath.  There were notices on the till and frequent reminders for staff to use the counters.

The events programme had been particularly successful, with some 200 visitors to a recent Easter Family Day. 

A Member suggested introducing a collection box to the Poetry Ambassador evenings, as used at the family days. 

School figures were up and the new part time Education Officer was working on external grants. 

The Ham and High were always keen to use local stories and a Member of the Consultative Committee (also a Member of the Ham and High Society) offered to raise this at their next meeting. 

OMG Keats! had concluded, following a very successful partnership project with Jacksons Lane in Highgate.  Members would be sent links to You Tube for the video and ‘Chocolate films’.  The Chairman offered to pass the film link to the two City of London Corporation Members who are in the film industry.  Members noted that there would be an evaluation report from the Project Manager and there had been excellent feedback from parents.  The Chairman was aware of a perception of some parts of London and the City being ‘closed off’ and was pleased that this, and similar Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee initiatives sought to break down any barriers. 

Members agreed that the current pricing structure was very competitive and suggested they explore the possibility of fixed term bookings, rather than hourly. 

Notification of Arts Council England Accreditation was awaited.

An application had been submitted to Camden Council for improvements to the grounds and toilets.

Keats House Members had consulted the local community on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding bid and the Chairman and Deputy Chairman thanked them for their support. 

Staff  would be at a full complement by the end of May this year; ie 4-5 fte ad 50 volunteers.  The Library Members asked for a list of staff and asked if they could please wear name badges.  An induction loop was in place in the Library and this could be shared with the house.  The furniture in the Library had also been replaced.

The House had made a successful bid to purchase a defibrillator and would seek advice, from the British Heart Foundation, as to the best place to locate it.  All staff would be trained in its use and Members noted that one the Hampstead Health Lifeguards was a qualified trainer. 

The Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee had granted delegated authority to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Committee, in order to progress the Licence at 10a Keats Grove. 

The boilers were working satisfactorily but some condensation issues were unresolved.  Members noted that the new City of London Corporation contract would change the onus so that adequate operation and maintenance would fall within the contractor’s remit. 

In respect of the forthcoming Licensing Application, Members were supportive of the application and suggested, that Officers:

look carefully at pricing, which would produce higher margins with fewer applications.

seek advice from the City of London Corporation’s licensing team but being mindful that Camden’s Licensing Policy might be different. 

seek advice from specialist event companies who work with similar venues. 

In respect of a potential ‘Poets in Residence’ Members suggested the BBC radio website might provide possibilities.  The use of ‘Rap Poets’ was also suggested, given its appeal to younger patrons. 

The 200^th Anniversary of Keats death in 2021 was at an early planning and research stage and the support already offered by the Apothecaries Company in respect of Keats health was welcomed.  Members noted other offers of support from the British Library, Keats Foundation and Universities in the UK and overseas.  Members suggested that a Working Party be set up and advice soughtt from officers in the former Culture, Heritage and Libraries Department, in light of the success of both the Shakespeare and Great Fire Commemorations last year.    Members agreed this presented an excellent opportunity for the House.