Bromley Council Consider Alternative Management For Crystal Palace Park

This week Bromley Council have been exploring an alternative approach to managing Crystal Palace Park, to ensure that it is enjoyed for generations to come. A proposal outlining a governance structure for the park, improvements to attract visitors and investment was reviewed at the Environment Pre-Decision Scrutiny Committee.  

Executive Councillor for Environment, Colin Smith said: "Our intention is to secure major investment for this fantastic, scenic asset, and to build markedly upon the works we already do locally. It offers a vision, and a wonderful opportunity for the five neighbouring Boroughs to work together to transform the park into a regional gem capable of matching any other park across the Capital."

"It's simply not right or proper that South East Londoner's have to contribute to the upkeep of Lee Valley Regional Park, but get nothing back in return for Crystal Palace's upkeep. We are still in the early stages of a long journey, but I am optimistic a joint approach will make a key difference which benefits us all in the end."

Recommendations include:  

1. Examining the creation of a 'not-for-profit' organisation to govern the park.

3. The investigation of options to challenge the Lee Valley Park Act 1966 in collaboration with neighbouring boroughs to obtain agreement to reinvest Bromley's funds in Crystal Palace Park.

The proposal will later be opened up to wider consultation, with future governance options presented to the Executive late next year.  

Crystal Palace Park is situated on the border of five London boroughs; Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark and as a result has evoked a diverse range of community interest and support.

At present, all London boroughs pay a statutory levy to the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, for the maintenance of Lee Valley Regional Park. However, the Council hopes that the five neighbouring boroughs will join forces to challenge this levy thereby freeing funds to bring Crystal Palace Park back into the 21st century. 

The total amount to be raised by Bromley for the The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA) for 2011/12 is £394,000, so there is still a long way to go.

Photo: geograph