A proposal to restore and repair the grade II listed Edwardian bandstand at Croydon Road Recreation Ground has been unanimously approved at a planning committee.
The plans to restore the much-loved bandstand where David Bowie famously performed moved a step forward after the council’s Plans Sub-Committee No. 4 granted planning approval and listed building consent. The restoration proposals are now being tendered. The news follows the announcement that £250,000 has been raised for the project from a variety of supporters, including the council, grant funders and community in partnership with idverde, the council’s parks management contractor.
Councillor Peter Dean, Ward Councillor for Kelsey and Eden Park and Chairman of the Plans Sub-Committee said: “I am delighted that the restoration can now proceed after we have determined this well considered planning application, that is sympathetic to the heritage of this historically important bandstand. I hope now to see this bandstand restored to protect its future as a much-loved community facility, as I know how significant this site is to many local residents.”
Councillor Aisha Cuthbert, Executive Councillor for Sustainability, Green Services and Open Spaces said, “This is a great milestone to pass on this much anticipated project and I am glad we can now move ahead with the planned restoration works to this historic venue. I want to thank everyone who has helped to support this project so far, including the Friends of the Park, those involved in the fundraising concerts, Heritage of London Trust, and everyone who bought a bandstand brick.”
Dr Nicola Stacey, Director, Heritage of London Trust, said, “We are thrilled to have been able to support this project, thanks to a generous donation from Knight Frank. Through our Proud Places youth engagement programme local pupils have already been involved in the plans for the site and will be visiting throughout the works. These young people will be Bromley’s future heritage champions and the project is a brilliant opportunity to inspire them.”
The planned works are to refurbish all areas of the bandstand, including its intricate ironwork and the perimeter fencing, plus restore the original colour scheme of dark brown and buff. Plans were developed in conjunction with stakeholders and Purcell Architecture limited, the appointed conservation consultant.
The plans also include improved landscaping to the bandstand, featuring the bandstand brick pathway formed of personalised bricks purchased by individuals, families, organisations and businesses. Improvements to the roof material will aid the dispersal of rainwater, with the inclusion of sympathetic rainwater goods. Security measures, including lighting, which could be used for performances, have also been included.
Built by McCallum & Hope Ltd of Glasgow, the elegant Edwardian bandstand, believed to be installed in 1905, has been the venue for many musical performances. One of Beckenham’s most famous residents, David Bowie played at the bandstand at Growth Summer Festival in 1969. The bandstand was listed in August 2019 on the advice of Historic England, 50 years after David Bowie performed at the Growth Summer Festival.
Funding for the project has been secured from a variety of sources including over £80,000 of community fundraising, £80,000 from Bromley Council and £10,000 from the Heritage of London Trust.
It is envisaged that restoration work will commence early 2023 and be complete by the summer. The bandstand will remain closed whilst these works are undertaken. For further information people can visit www.bromley.gov.uk/BeckenhamBandstand.
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Editor's notes
- The bandstand was listed in August 2019 by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England, 50 years after David Bowie performed at the Growth Summer Festival.
- Funding for the project has been secured from a variety of sources including £80,000 of community fundraising which includes the fundraising festivals organised by Bowie's Beckenham Oddity, £80,000 from Bromley Council and £10,000 from the Heritage of London Trust
- Heritage of London Trust (HOLT) is London’s independent heritage charity helping restore historic buildings and monuments across the city. It has been spearheading restoration projects for over 40 years and has helped preserve over 700 heritage sites that the public can now enjoy.
- Information on purchasing a Bandstand Brick visit www.bromley.gov.uk/BeckenhamBandstand
- To find out about the Friends of Croydon Road Recreation Ground visit www.becrec.net
- For more information on Purcell visit www.purcelluk.com
For media enquiries, please contact James George, public affairs, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk