+ EDI N BVRG H+ THE CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
Edinburgh Parks Events Manifesto: The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links
The City of Edinburgh Council 20 August 2009
Purpose of Report
1 To refer to the Council a report by the Director of Services for Communities on the Parks Events Manifesto for the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links.
Main Report
2 On 4 August 2009, the Policy and Strategy Committee considered the attached report by the Director of Services for Communities setting out the finalised Parks Events Manifesto for the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links.
3 The Manifesto established a set of requirements unique to the area and which was intended to provide a framework for achieving a balanced and sustainable events programme on the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, whilst ensuring the quality of the land was maintained to the highest standard possible.
Councillor Rose was heard as a local ward member
Deputation
4 The Committee heard a deputation from Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links who spoke on behalf of a range of users of the area. The deputation were of the view that the proposed Manifesto did not respond to the long term basic concerns about the deteriorating condition of the Meadows and urged the Committee:
(a) in relation to the Manifesto’s eight key principles for determining the granting and management of events:
e to amend Principle 1 to set the maximum limit for events at 2 weeks
0 to reconsider Principle 2 relating to rest periods between events
0 to set a limit on the number of permitted events per year;
(b) to give further consideration to the representations made by consultees; and (c) to ensure that the Manifesto conformed to the principles and aims of the Council’s Parks and Gardens Strategy on sustainable green space stewardship.
Decision
5 The Policy and Strategy Committee agreed to refer the report to the Council for consideration.
Recommendation
6 That the Council considers the attached report by the Director of Services for Communities on the Parks Events Manifesto for The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links.
Appendix Report no PS/22/09-1O/SfC by the Director of Services for Communities Contactltel Rhona Sinclair Si! 529 4238; €3 rhona.sinclair(@edinburgh.qov.uk Wards affected City wide; and 10 - MeadowdMorningside and 15 Southside/ Newington Background Minute of the Policy and Strategy Committee 4 August 2009 Papers Item no €D IN BVRGH Report no THE CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL Ps 122 109 - 10[ S$C
Edinburgh Parks Events Manifesto: The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links
Policy and Strategy Committee 4 August 2009
Purpose of report
This report details the finalised Parks Events Manifesto for the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links; and which will form the basis of the city-wide Parks Events manifesto to be presented to the Committee by October 2009.
Main report
The report titled ’Revised Arrangements for Events Management’ that was agreed at the 12 May 2009 meeting of the Policy & Strategy Committee, sought ‘to re-confirm the Council’s aspirations for Edinburgh not only to sustain its position as a leading events and festivals city but also to enhance that status.’ Events put the city onto the national and international stage and present it as an attractive place to live, to visit, to study in and to invest in. The events and festivals market has suffered less than other sectors of the economy in the current recession and can be a powerful draw in attracting visitors to Edinburgh, especially given present currency exchange rates.
Most events require to be sited on the city’s streets and/or its parks and greenspaces. The parks and greenspaces which are currently in the greatest demand for events are strategic sites such as Princes Street Gardens, the Meadows, Calton Hill and Holyrood Park. Council officers are actively marketing the varied range of event venues within Edinburgh. Negotiations with event organisers have resulted in three events originally scheduled to take place in the Meadows in 2009 being relocated to alternative venues. Agreement was reached to site the Moonwalk and the Taste of Edinburgh events in lnverleith Park and to move the start and finish of the Great Edinburah Run to Georae IV Bridae.
1 2.3 This report seeks to establish a set of requirements that provide a framework on which a balanced and sustainable events programme can be achieved on the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, whilst ensuring the quality of the land is maintained to the highest standard possible. . 2.4 The finalised Meadows and Bruntsfield Links Manifesto is outlined in Appendix 1. The principles and measures detailed in the Manifesto have been determined following consultation with stakeholders - including community representative organisations, user groups and event organisers. Consultation comments are detailed in Appendix 2. The Manifesto also recognises the Edinburgh Public Parks and Gardens Strategy adopted by The City of Edinburgh Council on 23 March 2006. This designated the Meadows as a “Premier Park and as such recognises the strategic position that the Meadows holds to host city events 2.5 The Manifesto uses eight key principles; the first five determine whether an event will be given permission for siting on the Meadows, and the following three are aimed at the successful management of an agreed event: Determining Principles:
0 Control the total number of days of occupation for an event on any site Schedule turf rest periods between events
0 Control the total number of ’Major Events’ per year
0 Define the capacity of each event site and suggest appropriate types of uses for each venue
0 Set an appropriate limit for private events. Managing Principles: Control vehicle use and access
0 Impose appropriate conditions on event activities and placement of infrastructure to be monitored and assessed Require contingency plans to be put in place and form part of event lease agreements. 2.6 Once established across all the city’s parks and greenspaces, these eight principles will help the Council decide the most suitable park locations for events and how they should be managed in order to minimise damage to the fabric of any park hosting an event. It will encourage event organisers to consider a far wider choice of parks and greenspaces than occurs at present; give scope for new venues to host high quality events; ensure that events are spread more equitably across the city’s network of parks and greenspaces; and seek to limit the potential conflicts with other park users (e.g. sporting or recreational).
3 Financial Implications
3.1 It is acknowledged that continued regular use of the Meadows for major events has an impact on the park surface, sub-structure and infrastructure. The proposals contained in this report carry no direct financial implications.
2 However, a further report will be presented regarding potential investment in improved surfacing and infrastructure. This is currently under investigation. 3.2 Some of this investment may be recouped by increasing the level of charges to event organisers to a level that better reflects the quality of facility available. A new corporate charging regime will be the subject of a future report.
4 Environmental Impact
4.1 The introduction of an Edinburgh Parks Events Manifesto will have a positive effect on the city’s environment, by introducing a sustainable approach to planning events in Edinburgh’s parks and greenspaces. Specifically, the introduction of a Parks Events Manifesto for the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links will help safeguard this special place for current users and future generations.
5 Recommendations
5.1 It is recommended that the Committee: a) Approves the finalised Parks Events Manifesto for the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links; b) Notes that this will form part of the city-wide Parks Events Manifesto to be presented to the Committee by October 2009: c) Notes a future report will be presented on improving the surfacing and infrastructure of the Meadows.
Mark Turley Director of Services for Communities
Appendices 1.Finalised Parks Events Manifesto - The Meadows & Bruntsfield Links 2.Detail of consultation comments ContactltellEmail David Jamieson, Parks & Greenspace Manager, tel529 7055 [email protected] Wards affected City Wide
Single Outcome Supports National Outcomes 1 “We live in a Scotland that is the most Agreement attractive place for doing business in Europe”; 10 “We live in well- designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need; and 12 “We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations”.
Background Minute of the Policy & Strategy Committee meeting of 12 May 2009 Papers Report entitled Revised Arrangements for Events Management to the 12 May 2009 meeting of the Policy & Strategy Committee
3
Background
The Meadows, with an area of 24.5 hectares, and Bruntsfield Links, 15.1 hectar one large green space with two contrasting parks, which for the purpos a is grass, with the other 10% wooded along Melville Drive, Whitehous The City of Edinburgh Council’s Services for Communities Department Parks and Gardens Strategy.
The park provides an essential greenspace in the heart of the ci If to a great range of sports and leisure activities. The lay e lined paths for residents of the south side of the city. The de of activities, including sport, play, leisure activities, and other ev
Predominantly amenity rye g of the Meadows, the site benefits from trees such as Elm, Sycamore, Lime, Hornbeam, Cherry, Ash, N and Willow; annual bedding on the perimeter of the site; areas of naturalised crocus and daffodils; a mix t pavilion, and a holly hedge in front of the University residen
The principal recreational uses are walkin sports - cricket, short hole golf, croquet, bowls, tennis, children’s football; all, frisbee; children’s play; and organised events - communi
The Meadows and Bruntsfield ory and heritage. The Meadows was once the shallow South or Burgh Loch, providing the city lothes and for brewing beer. From the mid 17th century the area was gradually drained and late se. The Meadows became the popular space they are toda
The Meadows & the Bruntsfield Links loch gradually drained in the last 200 years, is flat with heavy soil, muc ith small but increasing areas of standing water. The Lin orth-sloping and undulating, mostly well-drained area, with thin soil-cover and very small rock outcrops at the south-western extremity on Bruntsfield Place. Current infrastructure consists of a croquet lawn - National Croquet Association of Scotland; 16 tennis courts and a pavilion; 3 cricket squares and cricket pavilion; a jogging track - including the Sri Chimnoy Peace Mile measured mile; 3 play areas and a children friendly fenced area - “Tumblers Hollow”; and 3 public toilets (Magnet play area, Middle Meadow Walk, Bruntsfield). Significant features include the World Exhibition Monument - West Meadows; Monument East Meadows; Millennium Stone - Middle Meadow Walk; Pillars at either end of Melville Drive; Jawbone at Jawbone Walk; Water fountain at cricket pavilion; Chessboard at Bruntsfield Links; Historic short hole golf course and “starters hut”; and the “Kenneth Ryden“ tree avenue.
Edinburgh Events Strategy
The city’s festivals and events offering is key to its image at home and abroad, to its capital city status, to the development of the City Region Brand and to the Destination Edinburgh Marketing Alliance (DEMA).
The Council’s Events Strategy states that “Edinburgh will continue to grow as one of the world’s finest events cities”. It aims to deliver a balanced portfolio of events over the next ten years or so to include established successful events, newly created or commissioned events and national or international events won for the city through bidding processes.
The events portfolio is intended to:
0 generate significant economic benefit for the city region;
0 help make the city lively throughout the year;
0 reflect the civic and political status of Edinburgh as a capital city; and
0 reinforce the Council‘s vision and aspirations, including the Edinburgh City Region Brand values.
The parks and greenspaces which are currently in the greatest demand for events are strategic sites such as Princes Street Gardens, the Meadows, Calton Hill and Holyrood Park. These are preferred by event organisers, including the Council itself as an event promoter or co-promoter, because they are located centrally, provide iconic backdrops for broadcast and filming and have high footfall or are close to areas of high footfall. It is essential that these venues reflect Edinburgh’s position as capital city whilst ensuring no significant loss of greenspace for local residents and continuing to accommodate local and community events. Quality Assessment & Management Plan
A quality assessment based o er of 2008. The assessment looks at the park in terms of standa nd positive features. The park has also been assessed on the level of co and opportunities for healthy, active lifestyle. The Meadows score was air” score. Subsequently, a draft Meadows & Bruntsfield Links Management Plan has been produced by the City of E ncil and representatives from Southside, Merchiston, Tollcross, and
“On behalf of the people of Edinburgh, the City Council commits i dows and Bruntsfield Links for the benefit of citizens and visitors alike, both now and for the future. It and Bruntsfield Links continue to be a distinctive and attractive place of grass and trees, of paths and safe for all who frequent the area, for relaxation and recreation.”
The following list of aims has been identified in the Manageme
Ensure that the Meadows and Bruntsfiel Ensure a healthy and safe envir Maintain the highest standards re maintenance 0 Adopt environment ce the impact of operations (including events) 0 Promote biodiversity and t 0 Develop community involv 0 Actively promote the pa 0 Provide a responsi A series of actions have also been outlined; the most relevant of which are:
LEM
Aim 8: To provide a responsive, flexible and hig quality management service 0bjective Where andlor How Year Who cost 8.2 To develop an events strategy for the Establish Edinburgh Parks Events 2009 Councillors/P&G N/A Meadows Meadows & Bruntsfield Links Events Manifesto
The aim of this Manifesto is to establish a set of requirements unique to The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links which are intended to provide a framework on which a balanced and sustainable events programme can be achieved, whilst ensuring the quality of the land is maintained to the highest standard possible.
The suitability of an event will be scrutinised and tested against the following questions: e Is the event suitable to take place on the Meadows? e What is the level of the event i.e. world, international, national, local? e What type of event is it i.e. sporting, cultural, public, commercial, charitable? e Whether it is ticketed or free? 8 The number of participants/attendances e What benefits will the event provide? e Is the event funded by CEC or with other partners? e Are the management arrangements satisfactory for this event? e Have previous events of this nature been managed satisfactorily by this organisation? e How might park conditions at that particular time of the year be impacted? e What is the environmental impact of the event? e Would the event clash with any other?
It should however be recognised that the Council is keen to invest further in improving the quality of Edinburgh’s parks network, including making them fit-for-purpose where they regularly host events and large scale activities. To this end, work is on-going to identify ways to increase the resilience of parks and other open spaces to ensure multiple park uses can be adequately accommodated.
Please note the Manifesto does not make reference to fees and bonds, which will form the basis of a further report to Committee. A full review of events in the Meadows will be reported to stakeholders at the end of the calendar year. This will take the format of a report detailing what events occurred, when they occurred, a summary of any issues that may have arisen, the extent of any site impact and measures put in place to re-instate or repair the ground or park infrastructure.
The Manifesto uses eight key principles, the first five determine whether an event will be given permission, the following three are aimed at the successful management of an agreed event.
Determining Principles Principle 1 : Control the total number of days of occupation for an event on any site. Background Events on the Meadows are held on grassed areas, as there are currently no hard standing areas other than the pathways. The duration of an event has a major bearing on the extent of surface damage sustained during occupation. From a horticultural perspective, it would therefore be desirable to restrict the length of any event occupation on the Meadows. However, this may impact on the economic viability of some significant events, which from a strategic point of view would be counter to the city’s economic interests.
Measures proposed for events scheduled for 2009: Issues surrounding the duration of events have been discussed and it has been accepted that in some cases the length of run is required in order to ensure that an event remains economically viable. Where viability does not rely on duration, events have been asked to reduce the length of stay as appropriate.
Consultation A variety of consultation comments as to the maximum length of occupation were received. These ranged from recommending refusing permission for all events, to suggesting no limits be set.
Recommendation There was support for reducing the length of occupancy allowed. However, this would undermine the recommendations of the Parks and Gardens Strategy which designates the Meadows as a Premier park with a strategic role to play in the management of events in the city. It is recommended that maximum occupancy of an event be set at six weeks. Principle 2: Schedule turf rest periods between events.
Background Most sites require around two weeks’ recovery period between events (also dependent on reinstatement and weather). This will allow turf to adequately recover and for any small eroded areas to grass over. Some key parks in other cities allow certain times of the year to be defined as rest periods.
1 Measures proposed for events scheduled for 2009:
No events have been given permission to take up those areas which are showing significant wear and tear. Appropriate rest times following each event have been ensured.
Consultation
The consultation comments received, ranged from recommending a couple of days rest period through to no events being permitted. Many felt that between ten and fourteen days would be an appropriate length of time.
Recommendation
The duration and size of an event, number of attendees, weather conditions during occupancy, and the subsequent period of recovery have a significant impact on the time required for full recovery of the ground. It is recommended that the required rest period would be a minimum of two weeks. This would be applied to all events; however each event would be viewed on an individual basis subject to mitigating factors such as the time of year, the level of infrastructure and the length of occupancy and footfall. Principle 3: Control the total number of ‘Major Events’ per year.
Background The term ‘Major Event’ will be defined by factors including infrastructure, attendance and footprint. An event involving large tents 3r infrastructure would be considered as a ‘Major Event’, as would an event whose footprint exceeds 30% of available open space. The Council will work with event organisers to discuss any potential modification of events or the use of alternative locations where appropriate.
Measures proposed for events scheduled for 2009
The Moonwalk event and the Taste of Edinburgh event were sited in lnverleith Park and the starVfinish of the Great Edinburgh Run relocated to George IV Bridge.
Meetings with event organisers including the Meadows Festival, Meadows Festival Funfair, Festival and Fringe Funfair and the Urban Circus have resulted in the agreement of a range of robust conditions to allow these events to proceed.
Consultation
Most consultee’s agreed that some limits on the number of “Major Events” should be set and that scheduled events should be spread out over a period of time with consideration to other users of the park.
Recommendation
The number of major events per year will be controlled with the application of principles 1 & 2 and will allow for the requirements of community events, sporting fixtures, everyday park users and of local residents. Principle 4: Define the capacity of each event site and suggest appropriate types of uses for each venue.
Background Areas 1, 2 & 3 on the Meadows each accommodate a cricket pitch, and Bruntsfield Links accommodates a public golf course. The cricket pitches are utilised between April and September during the day on Saturday and Sunday and in the evenings, Monday to Thursday; the summer golf course is open mid April to the end of September and the smaller winter course, October through to April. It would be desirable that the primary function of these areas is protected as far as possible.
When considering the ability of a park to host an event, it is also important to take into account areas of special ecological, landscape, architectural or historical significance.
Measures proposed for events scheduled for 2009:
The footprint of each event will be managed to minimise impact to sporting fixtures. Only the leadows Festival has impactec on the cricket pitches in 2009; and the organisers agreed to move the event eastwards to enable the use of pitch 1 for cricket fixtures.
Consultation
Most consultation responses recognised the need for a balance between hosting events, sporting activities and the use of the park for recreational enjoyment by both residents and visitors.
Recommendation
Following the measures proposed for this year the need for a balance between different uses will be taken into consideration during the process of assessing the suitability of an event for siting on the Meadows. The area used and the size of the footprint will be managed in such a way that impact to sporting fixtures will be kept to a minimum. Principle 5: To set an appropriate limit for private events.
Background The Meadows is an excellent setting for events beneficial to the city’s image owever, large events requiring an entrance fee or pre-paid booking fee tend to restrict public access. Recent a nts in the Meadows fall broadly within the following categories:
Consultation
Consultation showed that this principle is hard opinions as to what elements constitute a private or large event. Most responses seemed t een community events and larger commercial activities
Recommendation
An annual review of the year’s ion for the following year to allow proactive discussion and planning. This would be subject to revie luding community groups. Managing Principles
Principle 6: Control vehicle use and access.
Background The majority of events require some vehicles on site, usually to set up and breakdown infrastructure or for security or health and safety reasons. This can have a significant impact on ground compaction, and erosion arises from vehicle movement and from vehicles parked on it for extended periods of time. Methods to mitigate this impact could be the issue of venue permits, the relocation of vehicles off site, and the issue of a clear access plan in advance of the event.
Measures proposed for events scheduled for 2009:
Vehicle Access Only areas with direct vehicle access have been considered viable venues. Vehicle access during setup / breakdown of events will be from a single access point, either George Square or Melville Drive. This will ensure vehicles travel over the minimum area of ground. No vehicles will be permitted onto the sites from any other access point.
Once the set up of an event is complete no vehicle movement will be permitted onto the site with the exception of small, authorised vehicles which will cover servicing issues and disabled access. Boarding will be laid for vehicles when weather conditions require it.
Tracking Additional tracking will be laid to prevent damage from vehicle movements during set up and breakdown and will be removed between these times to prevent excessive areas of grass from yellowing. Additional pedestrian tracking will also be required to protect the areas of grass at risk of heavy footfall.
Vehicles and Overnight Stays Overnight caravans and vehicle numbers have been reduced and will be limited to the use of security, technical and “on call” staff only, in line with Health and Safety requirements. These must remain static for the duration of the event. Permits will be issued by CEC for the specific vehicles authorised. Additional vehicles or caravans are to be housed in an alternative site. Diesel vehicles permitted on site will need to have drip trays in position to prevent leaks or spills onto the grass.
Deliveries Delivery times will be restricted and all delivery vehicles will be required to park on hard standing areas with goods transferred to sites manually or using a small light vehicle.
Stewards will be required to staff these areas to ensure vehicles do not drive onto the grass. Access will be for emergency and servicing purposes only.
Performers Performers will be accommodated off site and will be transported to the venue as required. A bus will drop passengers off on the hard standing area and they will walk, using the pedestrian tracking to the marquee areas. The bus will be parked in an alternative hard standing area between journeys.
Consultation
Those consultee's who agreed that events should continue in the Meadows highlighted several points to be considered. Robust conditions relating to both the use of vehicles and of access would require specification within the lease agreement.
Recommendation
In line with the measures proposed for this years events, robust restrictions relating to vehicle access and movements, number on site for the duration of the event and tracking requirements will be detailed within lease agreements. Principle 7: To impose appropriate conditions on event activities and placement of infrastructure to be monitored and assessed. Background The creation of a checklist which makes a link between event activities and potential site damage will signal to organisers their responsibility for the venue, and encourage them to work toward reducing damage. The checklist could include appropriate measures, for example, the consideration of the park fabric such as grass, t s, walls and gateways, or minimising impact on wildlife and ecology. Guidelines should also be used to protect th temporary structures such as tents, fencing and staging.
Measures proposed for events scheduled for 2009:
Monitoring and Assessment Regular site meetings will be held with Officers during events to imm ss any issues that may arise. Park Rangers will be available during the day and in the evenings to ensure all restriction
Review A review will be held upon completion of each major event a vant stakeholders.
Consultation The majority of parties consult ditions were required in order to ensure the protection of the g
Recommendations
Protection of Underground Event organisers must obtain i of any infrastructure to ensure no damage to underground utilities. Permission to hold an event i
Bond Levels Following a motion by the City of Edinbu on 28 May 2009, which noted a commitment to a damage repair bond, it is recommended that in due re nsure it is set at a level that guarantees any post-event repairs are effected without cost to the taxpayer.
Conditions Where appropriate, site conditions will be incorporated into lease agreements and more effective enforcement through regular site meetings, increased officer presence and detailed post event review. Principle 8: Contingency Plans to be put in place and form part of event lease agreements.
Background Contingency plans will be required to be in place and, where possible, be includ n the Lease agreement to protect the ground in circumstances such as extreme weather conditions (such as heavy and nged rainfall), particularly with regard vehicle movements.
Consultation
The majority of comments from parties consulted reflected the need y plans such as halting vehicle movements, delaying the set up or breakdown of an event during b
Recommendations
Event organisers will be required to produce contingency pl other circumstances that increase risk to park users and damage to park infrastructure.
Consultation Comments
Background Events on the Meadows are held on grassed areas, as there are currently no hard standing areas other than the pathways. The duration of an event has a major bearing on the extent of surface damage sustained during occupation From a horticultural perspective, it would therefore be desirable to restrict the length of any event occupation on the Meadows. However, this may impact on the economic viability of some significant events, which from a strategic point of view would be counter to the city’s economic interests.
Issues surrounding the duration of events have been discussed and it has been accepted that in some cases the length of run is required in order to ensure that an event remains economically viable. Where viability does not rely on duration, events have been asked to reduce the lenath of stav as amrooriate Consultee QUESTION 1. In your opinion, how long do you think it appropriate for an event to occupy a grassed area (this should include the time spent setting up and breaking down) in the Meadows? Grange Association I’m sure horticulturists would agree that the minimum time covered up is desirable 2 weeks would seem an appropriate time with maybe a couple of extra days for setup/take down. Management of the area is important. Aerate and feed immediately after use. Environmental Forum 2 There should be no events occupying the grassed areas. The grassed areas should only be used for leisure pursuits. No BBQ’s should be allowed. Bruntsfield Short Hole Golf What about the interests of the citizens and visitors who wish to enjoy the surroundings of a beautiful well tended Park? Club Bruntsfield Short Hole Golf Issues surrounding the duration of events have been discussed and it has been accepted that in some cases the length of run Club is required in order to ensure that an event remains economically viable. That is all very well so long as the City is suitably recompensed at appropriate commercial rates which can then be re-invested back into the individual Park. The Parks are primarily for the benefit of the citizens, not for third party commercial business to benefit from on the cheap! Bruntsfield Short Hole Golf 1 weeks, maximum 2 weeks Marc hmo nt & S cien nes As agreed at the 26 May 09 meeting of the Short-life working group on the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, we (Marchmont & Community Council Sciennes Community Council) support: Seven elapsed days trading/open (as a rule); within A total occupation of fourteen elapsed days
Page 1 Consultation Comments
Southside Community No event should be on site for more that ten days including set up and breakdown time. Ground must be inspected and Council considered suitable before any set up is permitted. No event or the infrastructure required for that event should be permitted if it or the equipment required to set it up is likely to cause damage to the site In general, a week's occupation of a large area of grass (excluding erection and dismantling) should be the maximum in order for the grass to recover in a reasonable time scale. If it is a fenced off event which precludes other normal activities such as Tollcross Community Council cricket, school sports and 7 aside football, then the time should be kept to a minimum. Merchiston Community Counc Maximum 4 days Chris Wigglesworth FOMBL No event should occupy an area of the Meadows for longer than ten (1 0) days in total, including setting up and dismantling (breaking down) time. An event should only be allowed to set up when the ground conditions are suitable. No event should be allowed to set up which is likely to cause damage to a site. Hilary McDowell FOMBL One week (including set up and take down) between May and September. The 2009 proposal is dangerous - if an event is not viable for a short stay it should not be on the Meadows Anonymous Economic /Commercial viability should not be an appropriate criteria. From a strategic view, the city's economice (and other interests) are best served by an unspoilt Meadows and IongAarge scale events damage both the Meadows and the city's longer term and wider interests. Meadows Festival Association One week and one day Taste of Edinburgh - Brand Evt Depending on time of year - but assuming in the summer when grass is growing - I would suggest no more than 6 days build - 4 days open and 4 days break - so 14 days in total. Whilst some discoloration of grass will happen it will not be killed during this period. In our experience grass will recover is original colour within a few weeks. Simon Flanagan - Brand Event It depends on the event and the commitment the organiser is willing to put into re-instatement, I have done events that occupy a site for 6 weeks, but I think 3 weeks would be reasonable Urban Circus Five to Six weeks -with appropriate steps taken to prevent major damage to the turf. Moonwalk
I don't feel there is a straightforward answer to this question, there are several conditions that need to be considered; What impact does the event have on the local community with respect to disruption and noise. Some events like fun fairs that have been held at the Meadows are there for a month and must be very difficult to live alongside due to the continual noise. Whilst other events are not so disruptive. In general I would say that 2 weeks is an acceptable length of time for any event from build to de rig The quality of the ground plays a huge part in the acceptability of any event on The Meadows, if conditions are good everythin' seems acceptable if conditions are bad, due to the type of ground, it can become a very uncomfortable area to work in. No event organiser want to damage the ground they are working on but sometimes it is unavoidable. In the case of The Meadows it is particularly susceptible to flooding and turning into a mud bath, and for this reason alone I do feel that a restricted number of events should be held on this site each year.
Page 2 Consultation Comments
......
...... (also dependent on reinstatement and weather). This ;will enable turf to adequately recover and for any small eroded areas to grass over. Some key parks in other cities allow
...... up those areas which are showing sig ......
......
......
Club will enable turf to adequately recover and for any small eroded areas to grass over. Some key parks in other cities allow certain times of the year to be defined as rest periods. These recovery periods are not reflected in the ongoing deteriorating alk) over recent years.
e (to be defined by specialist opinion) in which case longer may be required
Southside Community Sites require at least two weeks recovery time between events. This may have to be dependent on weather, season of the Southside Community A period of turf rest is absolutely essential for at least two weeks, longer may be required if weather conditions have increased Council impaction caused by event infrastructure and footfall. The usual recreational activities involving city residents and visitors should be allowed time to take place. ommunity Council Yes unity Yes, essential h FOMBL Yes, it is essential to have at least two (2) weeks on this clay soil without further heavy use. It is then also essential to take into account any recreational activities that normally take place on the area at that time of year, but which have been displaced, to resume as appropriate. It may require a far longer period than two weeks before any other event should be allowed to occupy the same area. Hilary McDowel BL Yes, this is essential. The turf should be allowed to rest for at least two weeks dur ason In 2009 the whole of the Meadows is showing considerable wear Anonymous o more than a few days. Events which take longer th . Events which take longer than this require vehicles accessing the park, which destroys th e whole park. M val es
Page 3 Consultation Comments
...... $ Taste of Edinburgh - Brand Ev Totally agree I would suggest at least an 8 week recovery period depending on the nature / duration of the previous events and time of year. If the turf is not allowed to re-cover the impact of more footfall on the grass is such that it won’t recover within that season, During the seasons when grass does not grow I would only have one event if totally necessary - otherwise not at ...... all...... ‘Simon Flanagan - Brand Even1 This really depends on the inpact of the event, each one must be taken on a case by case basis, ideally yes there should be 28 ...... daw between events...... ;Urban Circus YES ...... : Moonwalk I don’t feel that it would make much difference to the outcome. If the weather is good then the ground holds up, if the weather is bead inspite of having a few weeks of rest the ground would still be flooded. Having experienced the Meadows for 3 years myself, I know it is very weather dependent I feel a better policy would be to; Charge higher rental fees and then invest this funding into hardcore repair work from September to April. To also invest in matting at the entrances (I know some has already been instated) To be selective about the types of events so that the ones that are perhaps more comp1;icated to erect such as The Moonwalk are mixed with simder events.
2. If so, what length of time would you consider appropriate? You may consider different lengths of time for different times...... of the year. ;Grange Association As mentioned above, if treated, the grass will recover more quickly if just left alone, particularly in dry spells the recovery time would extend to months or years...... $...... Grange Association Active ...... int d leave a month between events...... in summer, longer in autumn/spring. Bruntsfield Short Hole Golf urn rowthlrecovery can be expected during winter months ...... Marchmont & Sciennes As agreed at the 26 may meeti rred to above) we support a “general principal of a minimum of 14 days rest following an Community Council event to allow for grass recovery and recreational uses. However, if there was excessive damage no other events should be sited on that space until fully recoveredhepaired. This decision to be at the discretion of Parks officers. Events timetabled to gc on the space should be relocated to alternative locations.” ...... Southside Community At least two weeks. From 1st October to 30 April no events should be allowed on any area of the Meadows or Bruntsfield Link: Council Tollcross Community Council is mage - related to the scale of the activity. Some da is rom last year, so unless the timescale/scale of the event is cut back, the rest periods would be very protracted. A month’s rest after large scale activities would be appropriate.
...... i Merchiston Community 6 weeks ;Chris Wigglesworth FOMBL See previous comment. From the start of May to the end of September, ie weeks 19 to 40, there should be a minimum of tw weeks turf rest, before further heavy wear is risked. From the start of October to the end of April, ie weeks 41 to 52 & 1 to 18, nts normally be allowed on the Meadows, or
Page 4 Consultation Comments
Hilary McDowell FOMBL At least two weeks May to September, totally rested from events October to April Meadows Festival Association It would depend on the weather as to how long it takes the turf to recover. In hot dry weather or when it is frozen a longer time is needed. In damp mild weather it recovers quickly. Our climate has become so uncertain that it is difficult to predict in which
Moonwalk
The term ‘Major Event’ will be defined by factors including infrastructure, attendance and footprint. An event involving large tents or infrastructure would be considered as a ‘Major Event’, as would an event whose footprint exceeds 30% of available open space. The Council will work with event organisers to discuss any potentlal modification of events or the use of alternative locations wh Measures proposed for events scheduled for 2009: The Moonwalk event and the Taste of Edinburgh event will be sited in lnverleith Park an Great George IV Bridge.
vent organisers including the Meadows Festival, Meadows
1. Do you agree with the factors identified to quantify a “Major Event”? Environmental Forum 2 These events are not suitable for the Meadows and should be located elsewhere Bruntsfield S ole Golf Perhaps? Marchmont & Sciennes Yes: scale of event, amount of infrastructure and number of attendees. Community Council cross Community Council Merc histo n Commu n ity Depends what is mean by “infrastructure”. Please define Hilary McDowell FOMBL The real test is an event’s potential for doing damage. Area is a bad measure - a large number of people in a small area will cause more damage than if they were spread out over a larger area. Gateways are particularly bad. Meadows Festival Association 20% would be too much
Page 5 Consultation Comments
Meadows Festival Association No, a major event has a security fence that stops local people entering that part of the Meadows and or requires local residents, visitors or park users to pay to enter the major event. A major event uses cranes to lift items onto the grass. These "pay to get in" events should not be allowed at all on the Meadows. They should go to brownfield sites, warehouses, Ingleston, Festival Square, the Waterfront or other areas where there is an existing hard standing. Anonymous As long as possible Large scale events should not be given permission for grassed areas. Brown field sites exist and they could be used - what about Ocean Terminal? Taste of Edinburgh Yes - but also take into account the length of tenancy. Simon Flanagan - Brand Event It depends on whether the definition is a Meadows definition or one for the wider event world. The definition above works for the Meadows, but if you took the definition out to the general event world non of the events on the Meadows would count as a major event. Urban Circus Yes Moonwalk I do not think it advisable to have events back to back, not only does it put pressure on the ground but also on the Event s themselves A week between events should be enough, provided there is a specific Event Season and it is not a 365 day availability. I know I am repeating myself but if the weather is bad it could be so damaging that 3 weeks is not enough and you can no schedule this Moonwalk I think this is misleading, The moonwalk is a 'major event' to erect however the footfall is really quite light 12,000 people on one night. The mass of people are only together on site for 3 hours after which time they pass through the site over a 12 hour period. Whereas The Funfair, Fringe Events etc may be easier to erect and have smaller tents etc, however I believe they are in the park for almost a month, with a footfall twice a day, I don't know the overall footfall but I would imagine it is far greater that 12,000 people QUESTION 2. What other factors should be considered? Grange Association The fact that the area is central, for public use, ideal for large congregations of people. That Edinburgh is a Festival city and should welcome festival, charity and worthy public meetings. Bruntsfield Short Hole Golf Duration of Event
Marchmont & Sciennes No additional proposals Community Council Major event' definition should include a timescale. A one or two day event may have far fewer 'major' ramifications than a Tollcross Community Council longer one. Merchiston Community The exact number of support vehicles requiring to be on site either temporarily or for the duration of the event. Hilary McDowell FOMBL Whether an event has caused damage in the past Anonymous The Council should use alternative sites for "Major Events" Meadows Festival Association The feelings of the East Meadows neighbours to the south and north and those north of West Meadows
Page 6 Consultation Comments
Simon Flanagan - Brand Event Plant used Impact on the ground (digging etc) Duration Organ iser Jrban Circus Established use of the site by Events already in existence should be taken in to consideration. Vloonwalk As above. There has to be balance between the loqistics and structure of the event, the time the event is on the site and what
3rang e Association Yes, but correct management of the area and varying the exact locations used will obviate many problems 3runtsfield Short Hole Golf Two - maximum of 2 weeks at commercial rates of rent, and adequate recovery period in between Zlub Vlarchmont & Sciennes Yes - The group (note of 26 May) “agreed that a maximum of five major events be allowed on the Meadows per year, with no Zommunity Council more than one major event at any one time. However, exceptions should be made for community or non profit events, if they
can be accommodated ” Southside Community The number should be limited to a maximum of ftve. No event should cover more than 20% of the available surface. Zouncil rollcross Community Council Yes Vlerchiston Community Yes, definitely
Zhris Wigglesworth FOMBL ” on the Meadows should include an involving large tents, marquees, pavilions and the like, covered area of approx. 200 square metres or more, and/or security fencing, delivery and erection vehicles requiring available hard standing near the Meadows, other infrastructure such as overnight security accommodation. It should include any event with a “footprint” of 25% or more of the available green open space of the Meadows, excluding the tennis courts, playparks, and cricket squares. The number of “Major Events” on the Meadows each year should be limited to a maximum of five (5),and only held between May and the end of September. An event should only be allowed to exceed 30% of the available open, green space in exceptional circumstances. Two “Major Events” should not be allowed to take place at the same time on the Meadows. Available hard standing and parking availability should also be taken into account when deciding if an event is appropriate. No additional hard standing should be created at the expen Yes
us Yes Taste of Edinburgh ar on the same part of the meadows an Circus Moonwal k mixed in with less demanding events
Page 7 Consultation Comments
4. If so, what would you suggest as the maximum number permitted? larchmont & Sciennes See previous response :om!? u n.!ty. . coI( !E!! ...... ;...... ! iouthside Community ;Only one Major Event should take place at the same time.
...... d:ouncil ’ollcross Community Council ;As the nature of these events varies considerably, it would be inappropriate to set one number. Six events of one day would i not be the same as six events of one week. It would be much more sensible to set a number of days per year that such events i could occupy the Meadows. For proper recovery of the Meadows and so as not to curtail other activities, then about twenty ;eight event days (only talking about ‘major’ events) would be appropriate. Two events at the same time should count as two
...... :.!days ...... but it would be better to have on1 event at a time ...... llerchiston Community {I do not think any major even ...... :...... Mary McDowell FOMBL
...... ;!Five - Only one event at a time. No “bundled events” (e.g. Urban circus, which is really two events - Ladyboys and the Circus)
......
......
...... Background Areas 1, 2 & 3 on the Meadows each accommodate a cricket pitch, and Bruntsfield Links accommodates a public golf course. The cricket pitches are utilised between April and September during the day on Saturday and Sunday and in the evenings, Monday to Thursday; the summer golf course is open mid April to the end of September and the smaller winter course, October through to April. It would be desirable that the primary function of these areas is protected as far as possible.
When considering th adows to host an event, it is also important to ta f special
The footprint of each event will be managed minimise impact to sporting fixtures. Only the Meadows Festiva on tht cricket pitches; and the organisers have agreed to move the event eastwards to enable the use of pitch 1 for cricket fixtures.
Page 8 Consultation Comments
1. How do you think the areas in the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links are best used when there are potentially competing demands for their use? Grange Association I feel that the undulations of the Bruntsfield Links means it is unsuitable for most purposes. Maintain the cricket squares. Move events around the rest of the Meadows. The more easterly areas are seldom used. Environmental Forum 2 The only use for the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links should be for cricket, tennis, football, cycle paths, jogging and golf. Recreational purposes only. Bruntsfield Short Hole Golf These are first and foremost Public Parks for the benefit of the citizens, not commercial showground areas! Club Marchmont & Sciennes In a way which permits the maximum number of people to obtain pleasure without compromising the enjoyment of others. All Community Council those who wish to obtain permission to use the meadows for a scheduled event should have to submit a “Common Good” statement. This statement should indicate the benefits of any event to the common good of the citizens of Edinburgh. (agreed at 26 May 09 meeting, as reflected in the note of that meeting). as agreed at 26 May meeting “the three cricket squares in areas 1, 2 and 3 be protected during events at all times. No major events of a commercial nature should be allowed in Area 1. However, small events could be accommodated in the area, but outside the cricket boundary Southside Community Change “desirable” to “essential” in the last line of first paragraph. Omit section for 2009. Council Southside Community Preference should be given to recreational activities of a traditional and sporting nature. Commercial events should be kept to Council a minimum. Local, short, community events should be encouraged eg The Meadows Festival. Tollcross Community Council The Meadows have long been a public resource and this area is extremely well utilised, particularly in the summer months. In many ways this aim of rnaxirnising profit for CEC from the area is a new departure. Any activity that compromises this long tradition of activities on this open space should be minimised in time and footprint. We hear that it is suggested to site one of the large, long-lasting events near this cricket pitch with the result that Pitch 1 will be out of action for at least 3 weeks in August. This is an unreasonable curtailment of normal public activities. However, some events can add to the vitality and amenity of the area but should minimally interfere with normal activities These include the Meadows Festival and iconic events like ‘Make Poverty History’ and the Fun Run. Merc hist on Community Mainly for the enjoyment of people living in the area and visitors to the city. If there have to be events staged here, thesey Council should be restricted to or events which have a clear local communitykharity dimension such as the Meadows Festival as opposed to those organised for commercial gain. Chris Wigglesworth FOMBL By giving preference to the normal, traditional recreational activities, and by keeping recently introduced commercial events to a minimum, as indicated above. There is a big difference between traditional, short-duration funfairs, like that in May, and the far longer, recently introduced “Fringe-related” funfair. This should be cut back to a week maximum, if it insists on being on the Meadows at all. Hilary McDowell FOMBL Area 4 and the rest of the east Meadows should be for footb y, formal and informal. Use by locals, especially p booked, including the local schools, should take precedenc playing fields have been sold off!)
Page 9 Consultation Comments
4nonymous This is incorrect as the Meadows as a whole is affected by events. The whole area suffers even though only one part is used for a large/long term event/ Jrban Circus Events assessed on merit and possibility of relocation to other parts of The Meadows. Vloonwalk I believe historically that The Meadows was originally private ground that was then given to the people of Edinburgh. With that in mind, again there has to be balance towards the Park being available for the residents of Edinburgh and being used to develop Edinburgh. My observation is that to date, the events being produced in Edinburgh has grown quite considerably over the past years Consequently events quite understandably have been accepted onto the park perhaps without any restriction The Meadows is a wonderful and very attractive location for any organiser, being so central and within easy distance of the city centre. However looking forward ther has to be a balance between The social impact the event has on the community The impact of the event on the Park A realistic approach to how important the event is to the Council in its efforts to create Edinburgh as an Event City.
Background The Meadows is an excellent setting for events beneficial to the city’s image and economy However, large events requiring an entrance fee or pre-paid booking fee tend to restrict public access Recent and current events in the Meadows fall broadly within the following categories. Public - Community - Meadows Festival, Victorian Book Fair, Alternative Olympics, Royal Archers Public/Private - Small Charity - Maggies Edinburgh Walk For Life, Meadows Marathon, Run for Relief in Burma Public/Private - Large Charity - Moonwalk, Great Bupa Run
S ran ge Association Mostly Bruntsfield Short Hole Golf Seems reasonable Club Vlarchmont & Sciennes Yes Community Council rollcross Community Council Yes Southside Community The catagories listed are acceptable. Council Vlerchiston Community Yes
Page 10 Consultation Comments
Chris Wigglesworth FOMBL It has the value of deciding priorities. For example, I think the community view would be to prefer a community event over a commercial one. Anonymous Yes Meadows Festival Association No. Small Private - a wedding celebration with Marquee up for half a day, Small Community - The Meadows Festival. Small Historic - Edinburgh Arrows (There is no way that this is a community event, this is a piece of historic pagentry for an elitist group who make no other contribution to the area and keep themselves to themselves, they should be required to advertise their event so that the community can attend). Public/Private Small Charity - Maggies Edinburgh Life, Run for relief in Burma, Meadows Marathon Taste of Edinburqh- Yes Simon Flanagan - Brand Even he classification is a M one, i.e. if asked out of cont uld not define Moonwalk as a large e e Meadows it is ... however, I think it would be better to classify events both in terms of size and type, thus Taste would be a large commercial . Urban Circus Yes Moonwalk No I do not agree, I can only speak for The Moonwalk, this is a public event and not Private in any way. Due to the planning and logistics it has to be by entry prior to the event but this does not make it private.
I think the status of the event, ie Commercial, Charity etc needs to be part of the consideration. Walk the Walk has raised over €7 million for Scotland since it started The Moonwalk Edinburgh. We are now funding projects throughout Scotland that would not be happening if it were not for our funding, consequently I feel the event contributes greatly to the community in a way that a Commercial Event never can. QUESTiON 2. If not, how would you classify them? G range Association rchers can hardly be said to be ' ctive I'd have said. Private. Environmental Forum 2 The only Public/Community event should be the Royal Archers and why not archery as a leisure pursuit? None of the others apply. This principle is hard to define. of exclusivity (preventing others from access to a large part of the park) is more important. Anonymous The publicicommunity events are acce . Publicismall charity are also-The Meadows Marathon was a model of how an event should be organised with all materials carried by hand and no vehicles whatsoever involved. Large capacity events should be held in Meadowbank Stadium. Meadows Festival Associatior Private Commercial events such as Taste of Edinburgh, Urban Circus, Meadows Funfair should be held at lngleston
Page 11 Consultation Comments
...... ' Moonwalk :Any charity or not for profit events no matter the size are not private events. ;Commercial profit making events are private regardless of whether they are open to the public without entry fees, which in ;most cases they are not...... i3. Do you agree that private events should be limited and, if so, how many do you think would be appropriate for the Meadows ar? Grange Association I think private events must come lower in the pecking order after open events with an overall limit decided by the council.
...... levees charged on all events would expedit nds...... should be realistic Bruntsfield Short Hole Golf :That would depend o f the event and the ...... :...... Marchmont & Sciennes :Depends on scale an ey remove large parts of the park from others’ use Community...... Council ...... Southside Community ;Private events should be decided on the state of the ground type and length of the event and infrastructure required. The Council :number of events already given consent for the months between April 30 and September 1 allowing aat least two weeks rest
...... m!period between all events Major and private should be taken into account. Tollcross Community Council :Private, for profit, events should be limited. 3 Der Year would be sufficient. Merchiston Community Yes. None. Chris Wigglesworth FOMBL Yes, private, especially fenced-off, events should be strictly limited to two per season. The other limits to size and duration should, of course, also be enforced. OMBL This is irrelevant. The tests for any event are: Does it cause damage?Does it displace local activities? Benefits to the local economy are questionable. It is unlikely that commercial events which exclude the public by fencing off areas are compatible with the Meadows status as common good land. Anonymous No private commercial events should be allowed at all.
Taste...... Z of Edinburgh j One ...... Urban Circus ...... ole Meadows considered not just one or two areas. Moonwalk...... ;As previously answered it is dependent on how long your Event Season is......
...... !Background: .... :The majority of events require some vehicles on site, usually to set up and breakdown infrastructure or for security or health !and safety reasons. This can have a significant impact on ground compaction, and erosion arises from vehicle movement and ;from vehicles parked on it for extended periods of time. Methods to mitigate this impact could be the issue of venue permits,
...... :.ithe ...... relocation of v les...... off site, and the issue of a clear access plan in advance of the event......
Page 12 Consultation Comments
...... i Measures...... prop ..... - ...... ess have been considered viable venues. Vehicle access during setup / breakdown of events iwill be from a single access point, either George Square or Melville Drive. This will ensure vehicles travel over the minimum ‘area of ground. No vehicles will be permitted onto the sites from any other access point. j Once the set up of an event is complete no vehicle movement will be permitted onto the site with the exception of small, ;authorisedvehicles which will cover servicing issues and disabled access. Boarding will be laid for vehicles when weather ;conditions require it...... d:Tracking ;Additional tracking will be laid to prevent damage from vehicle movements during set up and breakdown and will be removed ‘between these times to prevent excessive areas of grass from yellowing. Additional pedestrian tracking will also be required to
...... :,i ...... #protect the areas of grass at risk of heavy footfall...... b!Vehicles and Overnight Stays :Overnight caravans and vehicle numbers have been reduced and will be limited to the use of security, technical and “on call” :staff only, in line with Health and Safety requirements. These must remain static for the duration of the event. Permits will be ‘issued by CEC for the specific vehicles authorised. Additional vehicles or caravans are to be housed in an alternative site...... N;Diesel vehicles permitted on site will need to have drip trays in position to prevent leaks or spills onto the grass...... ricted and all delivery vehicles will be required to park on hard standing areas with goods transferr ...... :_.:to...... sites manually or using a small ...... ;Stewards will be required to staff t ensure vehicles do not drive onto the grass. Access will be for emergency and
...... ,:.‘servicing ...... purposes only...... d:Performers i Performers will be accommodated off site and will be transported to the venue as required. A bus will drop passengers off on :the hard standing area and they will walk, using the pedestrian tracking to the marquee areas. The bus will be parked in an ......
Marchmont & Sciennes good on this point
Page 13 Consultation Comments
...... ,, , , , , ,, ., . , , , , , , , , , ,, , , , , , ,, , , , , , , , , , , , , . , , , , ,, , , . , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ‘, , ,, , , , ,, , , , ,, , , , , , .. , , . , , , ,, ,. , , ,, , , , , ,, . , . , ,, , , , . , , , ,, . , , , , ,, , , , ,, , ,, , ,, , ,, , , , , , , , ,, , . , , , , , ,, , , , , , , ,, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . . , hside Community Zouncil ;No heavy vehicles should be allowed on the grass. Equipment should be unloaded on hard standing nearby and moved j manually or placed on small vehicles for transporting. We are informed that Middle Meadows Walk is not suitable for heavy ;vehicles above size of short base transit vans so Melville Drive and George Square would have to be used. No areas of grass ishould be used to increase hard standing. Tracking should be laid and removed as soon as possible after set up to prevent ‘damage to grass. Pedestrian tracking of a rollable type should be used where heavy footfall is anticipated. Small vehicles for idisabled access should park on boarding. There should be no overnight provision apart from security staff and absolutely jessential technical staff. Permits should be issued for the caravans and other vehicles. Staff and performers should be brougt in by bus a arked off site. Stewards should ensure all vehicle movement is kept to complete minimum. Tollcross Co uncil Generally, t are reasonably comprehensive. The ix-oblem has often been that measures were not enforced. Las /year saw private staff digging trenchesand driving vehicles round at will across the Meadows. Also ambiguity should be ‘avoided; such as ‘---when weather requires it.’ OR ‘---where there is a heavy footfall.’ These terms are open to interpretation i and as to the former, it is previous weather that is at least as important. These measures should be put in place to protect the
...... ston Community that, regrettably, permission h r a number of large, private events on the M :Council j measures provide the building blocks for something much more robust which we trust will apply if the Council is misguided ‘enough to allow such events to take place here in the future. However, for this year, we need much more detail than is j provided here - eg where is the “alternative site” where additional vehicles are to be housed ? Exactly what will be the i restricted hours during which deliveries are to be permitted ? Has account been taken of the need to minimise noise ;disturbance from delivery vehicles for people living round the Meadows ? Who is to employ the Stewards ? How many of I them will there be ? What will be their hours of operation ? Where is the performers’ off-site accommodation to be ? Who i is to monitor compliance with these measures and what sanctions will be available to the Council in the event of breaches ? i What will be the hours worked by the Park Rangers referred to later in this document ? Will the conditions of let be available ion noticeboards on site ? Will the public be clear as to what action they can take if they see misuse taking place ? ...... a i Chris Wigglesworth FOMBL j 1. The main point is that every single condition must be capable of effective monitoring and enforcement by available Council ;and partner staff, especially police. This has rarely been the case in recent years. No new hard standing should be formed at ithe expense of the turf areas. Breach of conditions should be penalised, recorded in detail, and taken note of in any ;subsequent applications by either the same applicants, or for similar activities. Environmental conditions for turf and trees
...... i should ...... pared with those used by other local authorities, eg Bath.
Page 14 Consultation Comments
iilary McDowell FOMBL Parks elsewhere (such as the Recreation Ground in Bath) specify no vehicles on the grass at all. A team of 20 strong people is required to lift and assemble the Spiegeltent, purely by manpower. If Middle Meadow Walk IS not considered strong enough to support vehicles, why should it be expected that the grass can cope? There was considerable diesel spill last year (2008). Why should it be different in future years? Here is an extract from the conditions imposed by Bath Council 2. 2.1 No plant vehicles or materials are to be stored or parkec within the maximum crown radius of a tree, or any other planted areas.
2.2 No structure, tent etc. is to be erected within the maximum crown radius of a tree (the maximum crown radius is measured from the trunk base to the outermost branch), without prior agreement.
2.3 No part of any tree may be damaged as a result of impact by plant or vehicles, or pruned in any way.
2.4 No concrete or other materials can be mixed, or oils, bitumen or chemicals spilt under a tree’s canopy or within 10m of the base of the tree, whichever is the greater, nor on bare soil or any planted or grassed area. Care must be taken to ensure there
2.5 No excavations may be carried out within the maximum crown radius of a tree. honymous The range of measures themselves will make the place resemble a motorway rather than a park. Vehicles if they must be in the park should be restricted to 5 mph and should be required to have an escort. Vehicle movement must be strictly policed and enforced. Aeadows Festival Association They are a lottery. Conditions too strict for small short events in good weather and not strict enough for large ones in the wrong weather. There could be a ‘NO Events of any size’ season December to February perhaps. Seperate provision should be made for the hereditary right (as I understand it) of Scottish Fairground folk to have their children and families with them for the duration of events as long as the caravans are small. But Funfairs should NOT occur at all as close to housing as they have on the West Meadows for the last few years. Boarding can cause more problems than it solves on longer events because the bleached grass may then die if there is too much sun too soon. Unrollable walkways of the type suitable for tanks should not be used as they tear up the turf. If very wet weather is predicted by the Meteorological Office it may be acceptable for attractions to move on site early but not to set up or open early. -aste of Edinburgh No Jrban Circus That the access to the Meadows be looked at with a view to installing better vehicle access. This could be done without spoiling the visual appearance of the Meadows ie. Using small mesh etc. A oo nwalk Most of these measures make common sense and are carried out by The MoonWalk anyway in all its event locations. Some ,such as the access for Performers may be a little impractical if large musical instruments have to be delivered etc.
Page 15 Consultation Comments
QUESTION 2. Would you wish to add any additional measures? Grange Association If the ground becomes waterlogged, restrict access and make folk walk while providing on street parking on one side of Melville Drive. Bruntsfield Short Hole Golf Ban all Events of this size and duration! Marchmont & Sciennes No Community Council Tollcross Community Council If there are to be multiple events, then there should be coordination and the same entry points should be used, where possible. Me rc h iston Community As indicated above, since the Meadows belong to the people of Edinburgh, details of the conditions should be publicised on Council noticeboards around the area, along with details of the Council official(s) to whom any complaints may be directed Hilary McDowell FOMBL Last year it was quite obvious that whole families complete with children were living in caravans on site, not just security staff. The Meadows should not be a free campsite. Security staff should be patrolling, not sleeping. In an emergency extra staff can easily be summoned by phone. Culture & Sport No Anonymous No events should be licensed which cannot be accomodated by manual moving of equipment from hard standing to grass areas. This is best practice in some areas. Alternative venues can be found for larger events. Taste of Edinburgh Yes - some parkmg suspensions might be required to facilitate holding of vehicles prior to coming on site to avoid any bulld of traffic on Melville Drive. Simon Flanagan - Brand There will be a problem restricting vehicles to hard standing, an event with a large number of exhibitors would not have enougl Events hard standing, perhaps “so far as if practicable” vehicles should be restricted to hard standing. Urban Circus The existing pathways strengthened to alle ed to place trackway on grass areas. Moonwalk No
Principle 7: To impose appropriate conditions on event activities and placement of infrastructure to be monitored ant assessed. Ba unci Th tion of a checkli nk between event activities and potential sit e will signal to organisers their responsibility for the venue, and encourage them to work toward reducing damage. The checklist could include appropriate measures, for example, the consideration of the park fabric such as grass, trees, monuments, walls and gateways, or minimising impact on wildlife and ecology. Guidelines should also be used to protect the landscape from temporary structures such as tents, fencing and staging.
Page 16 Consultation Comments
...... k
:...... i Monitoring and Assessment ...... :...... : i Regular site meetings will be held between event organisers and council officers during events to immediately address any : ;issues that may arise. Park Rangers will be available during the day and in the evenings to ensure all restrictions are adhered ito...... : ~: j ...... :...... Review : ...... i: ...... 1. Do you have any comments on the type of ...... Grange Association :Be firm, and fol ...... Environmental Forum 2 I No events should ...... Bruntsfield Short Hole Golf j Regular site me diately address any ; Club j issues that may arise. Park Rangers wi//be available during the day and in the evenings to ensure a//restrictions are adhered i :to. Where will these Park Rangers come from as there are currently insufficient numbers to ‘properly’ supervise the Meadows i i& Bruntsfield Links on a normal day to day basis. ALSO there are only 4 Park Rangers to cover all of the City Parks at ...... Q!weekends! Bruntsfield Short Hole Golf j I do not understand this question ...... c;Club j Marchmont 8 Sciennes iCould consideration be given to requiring those who lease ground to use electrical connections rather than their own Diesel ouni! ...... :generators?;...... These generators have caused smoke pollution that has troubled local residents in previous years. ;Southside Community i Regular site meetings would help to address any problems that arise. We were told last year that there would be close :Council ;monitoring of the site but this did nor appear to be in place. A full review before any bookings of any kind are made for 2010 ...... !might help to restore confidence in the City Council ...... vents in city parks iSouthside Community j Enforcement of conditions and appropriate action wh broken is essential to restore confidence. i Conditions on paper are a waste of time if effective enforcement is n :.iCouncil ...... :...... !Tollcross...... Community Council :This is covered in Principle 6. ; Merchiston Community ;My comments are as above. I think that members of the SCNP Short Life Working Group of the Meadows and Bruntsfield ; :Council i Links should be provided with details of rental amounts including bonds. The feeling is that neither of these is anything like :high enough, especially with regard to the large private events which will to many peoples’ regret take place on the Meadows i
:...... :ithis...... summer.
Page 17 Consultation Comments
...... :hris Wigglesworth FOMBL To be effective, conditions must be publically available, for all persons using the Meadows. All event staff, both permanent anc casual must be aware of them. An effective reporting system should be in place so that the public can alert the Council immediately, should any apparent problem come to notice. The current problems with BBQs are highly relevant, in addition to the sorry tale of previous years' extensive failure to observe of enforce event conditions. Flyposting prevention, litter collection, recycling facilities, damage prevention - these are all on- going problems. The cumulative impact on the character and condition of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links is an important ...... matter ...... lilary McDowell FOMBL No digging shoul is flooding. Last year (2008) we saw people digging a trench through the site. Urban Circus appears to have a "Don't care" attitude to damage. They said "the Council will fix it on our behalf". Organisers should be fined (punitively) for damage and for overstaying agreed times. This should influence future decisions about their use of Edinburgh facilities in the future. The public need 24/7 phone numbers of people who really will come and do
something...... :ulture & Sport ...... These should...... not be overly restrictive...... lleadows Festival Association ilar to existing ones but they must be enforced and local people should not have to pay to enter events. Though they may pay for things in tents or at stalls, rides etc.
Aoonwalk There should be a formal handing over of the site at the point when the company or charity takes possession. This should include a visit with the relevant people to look at the conditions and any existing damage. The same formality should take place at the hand back to establish again any damage to the ground.
Consideration should not just be given to the above ground fauna but also to what is below ground in terms of pipes, caballing services etc, hence I do feel that the council should have scans of the site as a standard part of the hiring formality in order to assist any organisers on the best positions etc to lay tents in order to avoid any obstacles.
In a site like The Meadows Rangers should have on hand advice and amenities in the event of flooding or damage. In order fo
in place and form
place and, where p e agreement to p ground in circumstances such as extreme weather conditions (such as heavy and prolonged rainfall), particularly with regard vehicle movements.
Page 18 Consultation Comments
1. What elements should be considered for inclusion in a contingency plan and lease agreement when considering use of the Meadows for hosting events? ;range Association As above. Restrict access by vehicles and require extra duck boards, sand etc to be used 3runtsfield Short Hole Golf 1. If the City doesn’t know what is required on the Meadows by this time after all the damage caused in recent years after these :lub events, then the answer is quite simple: Ban all such events! dlarchmont & Sciennes Compulsory closure in extreme weather 21 Compulsory delay to set up or take down (with corresponding agreement to extend :ommunity Council occupation period by corresponding time period) in extreme weather 31 Prevention of future leases if conditions of lease broken Southside Community If there is to be extremely limited vehicle movement this should not present major problems if the weather conditions are Zouncil extreme with heavy prolonged rain. In extreme conditions such as occurred last year the site should be closed to all movement, no vehicle movement no footfall until conditions improve. Conditions of lease and licence must be adhered to completely and very careful records kept of all breaches to include early entry to site and late removal from site. rollcross Community Council Within the contracts for the events, there should be a clause ‘that all remedial action will be promptly organised by CEC and the bill will be submitted to the event organisers.’ There should be penalty clauses for any infringements of the conditions set down. This presupposes adequate monitoring be CEC rollcross Community Council The events portfolio intentions above contrast and conflict with the principles of the management plan (above) and CEC is preparing an open space strategy. All three have different and conflicting aims. There should be some overriding principles anc aims. 2. Above, it states that there is an acceptance about commercial viability and length of run but there has been no examination of financial data or genuine investigation, so this is a meaningless statement and any commercial organisation can make unsubstantiated statements.3. A point about financial benefit to the City. It is not reasonable to say that any large event gives some proportional economic benefit. For instance, a festival at a quiet time in Edinburgh’s calendar would bring new people to the city and have economic benefit. One more event during the InternationaVFringe festivals is very unlikely to attract additional visitors as I am sure that the critical mass IS already achieved. Therefore, making fixed assumptions about economic benefit is inappropriate. Furthermore, the reported sums that have been paid to CEC for some of these large events are not substantial Vlerchiston Community The amount of the bond should be increased as a precautionary measure, particularly as recent weather trends would appear &unci1 to suggest an increase in the likelihood of damage to the turf. Zhris Wigglesworth FOMBL Event organisers must have their own contingency plans. The Council must reserve the o stop any event immediately, or reasonable grounds, including adverse weather or ground conditions, as well as all public safety matters. Nary McDowell FOMBL The Council needs the power to close an event. This should have been done in 2008 when extremely heavy rain affected the Urban Circus site, and in 2007 for the Moonwalk. It is up to an event’s organisers to have contingency plans (alternative venues etc.). There should be no Council responsibility for this. Vleadows Festival Associatior No big fences so no big cranes No vehicles larger than vans etc
Page 19 Consultation Comments
Jrban Circus Due to Licensing restrictions it is virtually impossible to relocate major events at short notice. Events should be structured to be able to cope with worst case scenario weather conditions. Vloon wal k Precaution needs to be taken at the build as already stated. Aside from taking all those measure in the event of extreme conditions it is difficult to know what to do or what to put on the ground hence my previous comment I do feel that if a site fee is paid and if all precautions are taken there has to be an acceptance that in the worst conditions due
2. Do you have any additional comments that you :nvironmental Forum 2 In the current climate when every effort should be made for an active life style, all the activities eg. Tennis, cricket, golf, etc should be encouraged for young and old, male and female. Free coaching should be encouraged. I would also suggest that basket ball courts and petanque (as in lnverleith Park) should be added to the activities If this could be encouraged, the health benefits would be enormous. With the advent of the trams, I would suggest that land be purchased/leased near Ocean Terminal Centre to house your "Major Events" such as those mentioned in Principle 3. It could also house the Winter Wonderland and Funfair thus leaving Princes Street Gardens in a better state. All vehicle access would be easier at this site and it would be more accomodating for public access 3runtsfield Short Hole Golf The City Parks have suffered badly over many years due to regular annual cuts in budgets by the City i.e. cuts in all aspects 0 2lub manpower at grass roots levels i.e. groundstaff, Park Rangers, etc. If these events have to take place then it should be at appropriate rates of revenue return which can be re-invested back into the Parks concerned. If the Commercial events organisers are not prepared to meet the going rate for the use of the Meadows in particular, then tough, let them find some other mug Local Authority to clear up after their destruction! Vlarchmont & Sciennes This is a helpful development in what has been a long-running exchange of views. The Parks department officials are to be Zommunity Council complimented on their efforts to balance the interests at stake. Important tha 201 0 Southside Community ons imposed and the contacts who will deal promptly and effective ons to be 2ouncil notified to the local Community Councils and Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links in good time before any event takes place especially over the Festival Fringe period. City council staff should be available to manage incidents during event: with authoroty to close down event to prevent da rk.
Page 20 Consultation Comments
klerchiston Community We welcome the chance to comment but deplore the time it has taken to reach this stage. The Short Life Working Group Zouncil raised concerns about damage to the Meadows several years ago and there can be no excuse for the delay in producing this document. Many local residents will not have been asked for their comments and I hope it will be accepted that local traders, who may well benefit from increased numbers of visitors to the area, represent just one point of view. And it should be borne in mind that most local traders will not themselves reside in the area and so may be unaware of the noise disturbance at night. Also, as I have written before, it is vital that the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links continues to be a place of relaxation and recreation for local residents and visitors alike. The presence of large events such as the ones scheduled for this summer mean this is no longer the case. There are several other large venues in or near Edinburgh where they could equally well take place. For example, I understand that The LadyBoys of Bangkok normally perform indoors - so why not redirect them to lngliston ? Or Ocean Terminal ? To the best of my knowledge neither of these venues is surrounded by residential streets a Zhris Wigglesworth FOMBL As indicated earlier, I think that the sections on what may be done in 2009 does not clarify matters. Regarding Specialist Surfaces (ref 12 June presentation to Working Group), a whole series of issues would arise if this solutioi were to be adopted in future. Regardless of the outcome on this, major infrastructural work on the drainage and turf condition of all the Meadows is urgently needed. Introduction of an area with a special surface may well only add to existing problems. Also, a Manifesto centred on Events is in danger of missing the point that events should be a minor aspect of the use and maintenance of this public green space. This draft Manifesto creates the impression that the fundamental recreational use of the area is peripheral to its concerns. This is seriously misleading. The true value of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links lies in their recreational and aesthetic heritage and importance in a commercially-dominated society!
Zhris Wiggles ' photo on top sheet could be replaced with one showing the thous na hoi any BBQ smoke on it! Zhris Wigglesworth FOMBL The suitability of an event will be scrutinised and tested against the following questions: .Order should be changed, environmental imDact should be 2. etc
...... arrangements...... satisfactory for this event? ...... of this nature been managed satisfactorily by this organisation? ...... Zow might park conditions at that particular time of the year be impacted? ...... hat...... is the environmental impact of the event? Hilary...... f McDowell FOMBL j Comment removed as content inappropriate
Page 21 Consultation Comments
...... Meadows Festival Association As a member of the Management Committee of the Meadows Festival Association - which is a Scottish Charity, I am interested to learn that we got a mention in the Meadows Manifesto. I heard of this extremely short consultation by osmosis. If there was a list of individuals to whom the rapid consultation should be sent one imagines that a body or individual who lives locally and has taken out licenses regularly for the area concerened over the past few decades would have beeen included. My comments above are very rushed so I believe that more time and wider consultation might be a good idea,
Firstly two points you should consider because the furore about events on the East Meadows has been partly grass related 1. No football or walking on the grass when it is frozen. 2. No studs to be worn when playing football or other games - they are tearing up the turf in a way that did not happen when people playing for fun used ordinary trainers or similar shoes. Meadows Festival Associatior And blem is because children and adults in h re disturbed by the Urban Circus which is on a very unsuitable site too close to houses. When I did a straw poll at work I was shocked by how many Boroughmuir High School teachers can hear the Urban Circus at their homes in Montague Street and Marchmont, for example, in the ev . 'aul Bailey (Assistant The East of Scotla not believe that the Meadows is suitable for major event such as the Urban Secretary, East of Scotland Circus. If it was rotated round the cricket squares, it is likely that it would cause significant damage to those squares due to Zricket Association) the use of heavy machinery. We support the occasional use of the cricket squares for events like the Meadows Festival provided that consideration is given to allowing one of the cricket squares to be used rather than imposing a blanket ban on cricket for the weekend. If other small scale events are introduced to the Meadows, we believe that it would be sensible to consider using other areas of the Meadows rather than the cricket squares thus allowing both events to take place. We believe that adequate notice should be given by organizations booking the Meadows rather than last minute decisions which often happens. We also believe that toilet facilities are totally inadequate at the Meadows and need to be improved. Meadows Marathon The manifesto seems very reasonable to me. We are pleased to see that the Meadows Marathon has taken a position in the list of events under 'small charity' event and I think this is the most appropriate place for it. My only query would be as to how one would go about measuring the "footprint" of their event? As the Meadows Marathon is a 'f needs be, I would be interested to e Urban Circus Virt a central space which is utilised for the typ Meadows. Investing in improving infrastructure and logistical planning would enable the meadows to be used,
...... commercially, socially and to the benefit of all stakeholders.
Page 22 Consultation Comments
Chamber of Commerce Federation of Small Business's Response Received Southside Community Council Response Received Marchmont & Sciennes Community Council Response Received Tollcross Community Council Response Received Merchiston Community Council Environmental Forum 1 Response Received Environmental Forum 2 Response Received Friends of The Meadows and Brunstfield Links Response Received Meadows Festival Association Response Received Urban Circus Taylors Funfair Evans Funfair Response Received Meadows Ma rat hon Response Received Taste Response Received Moonwalk Bupa Run Victorian Book Festival Maggies Edinburgh Life Edinburgh Arrows Response Received Cricket Club Response Received Golf Club Croquet Club Traders Association 1 Traders Association 2 Traders Association 3 Edinburgh University Sciennes Primary School Bruntsfield Primary School St.Thomas Aquins Cllr Marilyne MacLaren Paul Godzik Alison Johnstone Mark Mclnnes
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