Crystal Palace Local

MAJOR PLANS to create a management board for Crystal Palace park are being drawn up by Bromley council.

If the plans are approved then the board, which would include representatives of Capel Manor College, the Eden Project and the Crystal Palace community, would be asked to make recommendations to Bromley council’s executive  which will determine the future management of Crystal Palace Park.

The group would be asked to make recommendations which would place an emphasis on:

• Restoring and protecting the park's heritage and infrastructure
• Improving and developing community use and investment in the park
• Recognising the park’s local, regional and national significance
• Determining and securing the park’s importance for the future.

"The Board will be established to explore opportunities for the management, restoration, development and protection of Crystal Palace Park; recognising the site’s multi-faceted historical significance and creating an environment which is valued and admired by local people and visitors alike" says a report to committees.

The report says members of the proposed board should all work towards a variety of aims including:

• examining and agreeing a legal structure for the future management of the park .
• approving and championing capital and revenue projects that improve the park's usage and visitor experience at the park.
• examining and pioneering different opportunities for investment in the park.
• working closely with the Mayor of London to:  a) explore a regional status for the park and b) entering into discussions with the National Trust,

English Heritage and other industry sectors about the future governance of the park

• developing employment and skills opportunities in the park.

*investigating alternative options for the future governance of the park

*exploring a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation governance option for the park

*pursuing discussions with established organisations who have the experience and capability of managing green spaces, such as the National Trust and English Heritage.

The report is being considered at Bromley council's environment PDS* committee on October 4th; its renewal and recreation PDS* on October 11th and Executive committee on October 19th.

*PDS: pre-decision scrutiny