Conservative-run
Bromley Council has revealed its plans to transform Crystal Palace park,
restore the Victorian subway, protect the Dinosaurs, as well as build a new
culture venue.
The
plans, which would be funded by building 200 new homes just off Crystal Palace
park aim to breathe new life into the park while celebrating its past and by
doing so would increase visitors to park, which would benefit local businesses
in Penge & Anerley.
The
news follows Bromley Councils commitment to invest £3.141m in restoring the
Victoria subway – one of the most popular attractions of Open House weekend
across London. Additionally, last year work completed from £2.5 million worth
of improvements to the park, which included a new café, improved skatepark and
restoration of some of the Dinosaurs –funded jointly by Bromley Council,
Historic England and City Hall.
Campaigner, Tom Capon,
welcomed the news saying: “Crystal Palace park is a local asset that needs
to be protected. Growing up locally I visited the park and its dinosaurs and
loved it, now I take my family to enjoy it and want them to be able to do the
same with their kids. The subway itself is hugely popular at open house
weekend, so restoring it and opening a new culture venue is a fantastic way to
celebrate the area’s rich history and support local businesses”.
Peter Morgan,
Executive Councillor for Recreation, Renewal & Housing said “We have
been anxious for many years to improve Crystal Palace Park. The subway
proposal is one of the first major projects for which we have found funding and
if the current planning application is approved, we will be able to raise the
money to make many further improvements in the park. The Crystal Palace
Community Trust is assisting us very considerably with these plans.”