In a key milestone in the regeneration plan, the management of the much-loved park has been transferred to the Crystal Palace Park Trust, setting the scene for a prosperous future.
Crystal Palace Park Trust begin their 125-year lease today (15 September) and now have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the park. The transfer is a major stage of Bromley Council’s Regeneration Plan that will see a major transformation of the park, including restoring sites like the renowned dinosaurs and subway. The transfer is key to creating a sustainable model for the park’s future, with the Trust now responsible for delivering wide-ranging improvements that benefit the whole community.
To mark the momentous occasion, the Trust are holding a special Garden Party on Sunday 17 September, with residents and families welcome to come together and join the celebration of music, art, and community, all in the historic setting of Crystal Palace Park. The Mayor of Bromley will signify the transfer by presenting the park keys to representatives from the Trust, alongside invited guests.
The iconic concert bowl will host the festivities from 10am to 6pm, continuing its legacy of over 60 years of live music heritage. There will be live performances across genres plus funfair rides, guided tours and yoga experiences, and a host of street food and bars available - find out more about the Crystal Palace Trust Garden Party.
Val Shawcross, Crystal Palace Park Trust CEO said: “I genuinely believe that we have created something special with this Garden Party, which wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of local talent, businesses, and community groups. The Trust is committed to creating a sustainable future and we hope this Garden Party will be the first of many community-led events. It’s a real joy that the day has arrived when the community can finally take control of the park, which over time will become an outstanding public green space – an excellent place for the community to enjoy being together, do sports, arts and cultural events and get closer to nature.”
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said: “This is such an important day in the history of Crystal Palace Park, marking the start of a bright, new future. The community around this park is something special and I want to thank all the determined local groups and our partners like Historic England, who we have had the pleasure of working with to get us to this opportune position. Over the coming years, we will now be restoring historical sites and facilities across this great park, with the Trusts’ capable hands then set to care for them into the future, with funds generated from all their great events.”
The £52m Regeneration Plan for the park is making good progress, with the restoration of the Grade II* listed subway now at an advanced stage. A specialist team led by HTA Design have been appointed to take forward the next major works, including the regeneration of the Italian Terraces. This stage will also see the restoration of the Grade I listed dinosaurs and the creation of a new playground, which has received development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for these works. The restoration of these iconic structures is being developed collaboratively with partners Historic England.
The funding for the plan will come from a number of sources, including the sale of residential developments coming forward next to the park, with further grant funding still needed to complete the plan.
A sustainable business model for the park has been created that can support the maintenance of its assets and spaces, alongside the new managing arrangement for the park under the Trust, who are an independent community-based charity.
Find out more about the Trust’s plans and for day-to-day enquiries.
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For media enquiries, please contact James George, Public Affairs, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk and Crystal Palace Park Trust at CEO@crystalpalaceparktrust.org