Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Members considered an update report of the Superintendent and the following points were made.

 

Projects and Programmes

 

Play Area Toilets and Sandpit Redevelopment

 

·         The Constabulary and Queen’s Park Manager drew Member’s attention to the timeline provided for work to the play area toilets and sandpit project. It was noted that as the planned work for the play area alone exceeded £50K, these projects would be joined.

 

·         In response to a query regarding the high cost of the project, Members were advised that this included instillation and equipment, a water feature, natural rocks, rebuilding of the sandpit, etc.

 

·         The Superintendent advised that he had met with surveyors again regarding the toilet block to discuss improvements to the existing footprint in an attempt to improve the facility. He noted that there was suspected subsidence and, following CCTV work, a horse chestnut tree had been removed which had resolved the problem. Asbestos checks would take place in the material damaged by subsidence.

 

·         Photographs of Hampstead Heath Millfield Lane and Great Yarmouth toilet facilities were shown to Members as an example of how the play area toilets could be styled.

 

·         The Chairman queried whether it would be more cost-effective to knock down the current toilet block and create a new build that was fit for purpose. The Group were advised that surveyors had ruled this out as the building was still fit for purpose. Members disagreed that it was fit for purpose and requested a full explanation from the City Surveyor as to why this was not an option as Members felt that a facility with longevity would be the most cost-effective solution.

 

·         It was noted that the public community view was that the toilets were past their sell by date and do not fit with the aesthetic of the park.

 

·         Members were concerned that little progress had been made in the last six months and did not want to hold up progress. However, to ensure the Group were fully involved in setting the scope of the project, it was agreed that the full cost breakdown should be provided to the Group as soon as possible so that a decision could be made on whether to improve the existing facility or start again with a new build and the Group’s feedback to be provided to the City Surveyor.    

 

·         Members made the following comments regarding what the facility should include:

 

o   Baby changing facilities should be separate to the disabled toilet.

o   Access to the toilets would be required from the sandpit and the main park where sport is played. This must also be fully accessible for disabled people.

o   Parent and baby toilets should be gender neutral.

o   It was noted that toilets at Burnham Beeches were totally self-contained.

o   It was agreed that the same set up of toilets should be provided on both access sides: one male, one female and one gender neutral. 

 

·         With regards to timescale, Members were advised that it would take a few weeks to work out what was needed with architects and produce a summary for both options. It was suggested that a competition could be offered to architects locally for ideas as there were many in the area. The Superintendent highlighted that work needed to take place quickly for the feasibility study but that work could be open for tender later.  

 

·         Members were keen that a thorough investigation for asbestos, etc, take place immediately before works start and not after the work had begun.

 

·         The Chairman stated that if more debate was required once the reports were received, then the Group would have to meet and consult prior to the next meeting. However, if the two reports showed a clear front-runner then the team would proceed as necessary as to not hold up progress on the work.

 

Tennis Courts

 

·         The Constabulary and Queen’s Park Manager noted that works to the tennis courts would start in September.

 

Sustainability

 

·         Members were advised that the London Borough of Brent no longer collected green waste; they still collected recycling but charged for this service. The Constabulary and Queen’s Park Manager advised that the removal of waste (green, general and recycling) cost the park £32K annually and that a waste strategy was being developed providing a long-term plan to manage these significant costs to be included in the Divisional Plan.

 

·         A Member queried if resources could be pulled with Brent to bring down the costs as they had previously removed waste for free. The Director agreed to look into this option and confirm if the costs of removal by City of London Corporation were still cheaper than Brent.

 

·         A Member suggested including signage across the park, café, tennis courts, etc, regarding removal of waste in an attempt to encourage visitors to dispose of their waste properly.   

 

·         A Member suggested that festival type events and the café encourage the use of reusable bottles and straws. Members were advised that the café offers free water. It was highlighted that the two water fountains in the park are not shown on the map.

 

Ecology and Environment

 

·         Members were advised that Oak Processionary Moth signs will be erected at the park. Trees have now been treated and the Forestry Commission requested contractor found no signs of infestation during their recent survey.

 

Café

 

·         The Urban Leisure Group (ULG) commenced trading in the café on 3 February 2018 and has received positive feedback from the public. Members were advised that ULG were keen to get involved in Queen’s Park projects and events.

 

Pedestrian Counters

 

·         It was noted that City of London’s move to Windows 10 had made it difficult to transfer data from the device to technology and the team were working to resolve this.

 

Events

 

NOMAD – Variation to Licence

 

·         Members were advised that a variation to the NOMAD Cinema’s premises licence regarding screenings on the bandstand on Friday evenings was currently out to consultation with Brent and no negative feedback had been received.

 

Mayhew Winter Fayre

 

·         A request from the Mayhew charity was received regarding the park hosting their annual Christmas Fayre animal rehoming event.

 

·         A Member was generally supportive of charitable endeavours but highlighted the importance of the Open Space Act and the power this provided the City of London to host its own Christmas and/or summer fayres to raise funds for the park. Members agreed this was a good opportunity and that maybe they should be more selfish when deciding which events take place, particularly at prime times in the year. It was suggested that team host their own events at prime times or joint endeavours only.    

 

·         It was noted that the draft Events Policy (Part 2) would be brought to the October meeting for the Group’s feedback.

 

Pines and Needles Proposal

 

·         Members were advised that there was appetite for Pines and Needles to hold a commercial event at the park during the Christmas period selling Christmas trees.

 

·         The Director recommended consideration of a local tender on limited events, e.g. a Christmas fayre, with the money to be reinvested into a local pot. The Director suggested carrying out a one-year pilot to determine how commercial opportunities could be agreed.   

 

·         It was noted that there was a local resident concern over a commercial company being at a small park for three weeks. Members felt that they should not be situated on both sides of the pathway. A Member suggested moving the area that Pine and Needles would be based to a more discrete and less prominent area which was not on grass.

 

·         The Town Clerk agreed to circulate Part 1 of the Events Policy to Members for information regarding generating revenue.

 

Queen’s Park The Opera

 

·         Members were advised that a provisional request had been made for the park to host a performance of “Queen’s Park, The Opera” for three days in June 2019.

 

·         Members were not supportive of this proposed event as it was at the height of busy summer.

 

Income and Expenditure

 

·         The Superintendent advised that the proximity of this meeting to year end meant that there currently was no update. The Superintendent noted that the costs were on balance (£101K) but there was now a need to deliver future projects.

 

RESOLVED – That:-

 

·         Members provide feedback on the Draft Woodland Management Plan, attached at Appendix 1;

 

·         Members provide feedback on the Schedule of Events at Appendix 2;

 

·         Members provide feedback in relation to the variation to the Premises Licence for Films to be shown on a Friday evening in the Park, as set out in paragraph 35;

 

·         Members give their views on the request from the Mayhew Animal Home to hold their Christmas Fayre in the Park in late November or early December 2018 as set out in paragraphs 36-37;

 

·         Members give their views on the City of London supporting the request for an Opera to be held under a big top in the Park in June 2019 for a performance of Queen’s Park the Opera, as set out in paragraphs 38-39;

 

·         Members give their views on the proposal of the Park Manager to enter into discussions with Pines & Needles as set out in paragraphs 44-45;

 

·         That the view and comments of the Queen’s Park Consultative Group be conveyed to the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee at their meeting on 23 May 2018.