The Wonderbird report

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Straw Cat on February 12, 2014 at 15:01

 I'd suggest people interested in the future of Ally Pally read those reports very carefully and critically. Much of it is OK and represents the continuing adoption of some of Save Ally Pally’s  core ideas – pointing out that AP is an educational charity, that it has world-important historic spaces, which far from being left to rot, should be opened up to the public. But there are some crass proposals from Wonderbird, such as that historic Studios A and B could be renamed -  the "naming rights" to be flogged off to corporates! The Baird studio becomes the Royal Bank of Scotland Studio?

As we know, all the recent interventions that have protected the historic areas have been outside, independent, voluntary interventions. The Wonderbird report is big on talking about networks, and seeking “ambassadors” for AP (such as Claire Kober) and local celebs. Strange then that existing voluntary organizations within the Palace with experience of fundraising and detailed knowledge of the historic areas (for instance, the Friends of the Theatre or TV Society), far less activists like Save Ally Pally, indeed no-one outside the magic circle of employees, co-opted trustees and the council circle, were it seems (allowed to be?) spoken to. Yet it talks about building networks. Oversight, deliberate policy or embarrassment?

The chief executive, Duncan Wilson's report, which proposes various charges for access to the historic and other parts, is also strangely bereft of any comments from directly affected groups. None of the existing voluntary groups has apparently been consulted about or now seem involved in the tours of historic areas which are now conducted by palace employees and strictly under their control. No embarrassing questions by the public like “yes, but how has it all been allowed to get into this state?” allowed. Any mention of Save Ally Pally is likely to get you escorted outside by security.

And worryingly, the reports assume that anything west of the theatre and the TV studios is now accepted as commercial, for-profit, and up for grabs by, possibly a single developer on a long lease – although none of this is permitted by the AP Acts or Scheme. It seems to be almost Firoka-lite.

Trying to find a way to get some independent comments heard (as the SAC/consultative committee which is supposed to be consulted, weren't allowed to see any of the above) I asked to address the board meeting on Thursday night (see attached) on behalf of the beneficiaries of the charity and chair Matt Cooke has, to his credit, allowed this. The meeting might be in the Londesborough room, or the transmitter room t’other end – see the Haringey website.

 Jacob

• ▶ Reply