Issue - meetings

Report HPR2024/015

The report provided an update on the delivery of the Crystal Palace Park Regeneration Plan and requested approval to proceed to procurement on a 60% quality and 40% price basis for a main contractor to deliver the capital works of the next phase of the Plan.

In opening the discussion, the Chairman advised that a written statement had been received from Councillor Ruth McGregor and Councillor Ryan Thomson, Ward Councillors for Crystal Palace and Anerley, as follows:

“As ward councillors we are supportive of the regeneration plan but have some concerns which we would like to see addressed.  We do not have any objection to the proposed route for procurement of contractors for the capital works; however, we do have a number of concerns regarding the detail of the plans so want to ensure that the London Borough of Bromley will continue to consult with interested parties.  We would like to request an update meeting with the Regeneration Team at a convenient time.  We are aware of concerns which have been raised with regard to the design of the information centre and the ongoing maintenance of the dinosaurs as well as other concerns.  These concerns have been raised by the Friends of Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs, so the Council are aware, and we want to ensure that these considerations are taken into account.”

With regard to ongoing maintenance of the dinosaurs, the Assistant Director: Culture and Regeneration was pleased to announce that Historic England had assembled an expert team to advise on the restoration of the dinosaurs and develop a longer-term maintenance plan.  The Crystal Palace Park Trust would be responsible for the maintenance and conservation of the dinosaurs moving forward and there was a budget line for conservation in its business model.  In response to a question from a Member, the Heritage Capital Project Manager advised that the park’s business model had been developed in comparison with parks of a similar size and character.  Visitor numbers and events income had been projected using conservative estimates and had already been exceeded with respect to events income which would help ensure the long-term sustainability of the park.  The Crystal Palace National Sports Centre was on a long lease to the Greater London Authority and GLL, and the Mayor of London had committed to the regeneration of the sports centre in the medium to long-term.

RESOLVED: That the Council’s Executive be recommended to:

1)  Proceed to procurement, as set out in Paragraphs 3.12 to 3.26 of Report HPR2024/015, for a main contractor to deliver the capital works at a total estimated contract cost of £17.7M; and,

2)  Agree and recommend Full Council increase the budget of the Crystal Palace Park Regeneration Plan already on the Capital Programme by £19.096M. The scheme will be funded through a £5M grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the capital receipts from the sale of the two areas of parkland which are estimated to achieve £19.36M.