Agenda item

Report DRR11/091

The Committee considered a report concerning a mechanism by which the approved Masterplan for Crystal Palace Park (which was subject to a judicial review) could be implemented recognising the need to attract significant external support and funding whilst retaining and increasing the support of local residents, interest groups and associations.

The report examined different options for the future governance of the park recommending the further investigation of a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation for managing the park. Pursuing discussions with experienced organisations such as the National Trust, English Heritage and other industry sectors with a history and reputation for managing green spaces was also suggested.

Although specialist parks authority governance was not a preferred option, the report recommended some investigations into the model to ensure the accuracy of such an evaluation. A Crystal Palace Park Management Board would explore opportunities for the management, restoration, development and protection of Crystal Palace Park investigating alternative options for the Park’s future governance.

The Park’s infrastructure required significant financial investment to ensure it could be enjoyed by generations to come and LBB had not been able to guarantee the required investment level for the park as a national asset - with competing priorities on local authority funding this was unlikely to improve.

It was suggested that the Management Board members be subject to monitoring and evaluation by LBB and work towards the following aims:

  ?  to examine and agree a legal structure for the future management of Crystal Palace Park;

  ?  to challenge the Lee Valley Regional Park Act 1966 in collaboration with neighbouring boroughs to obtain agreement to reinvest Bromley’s funds into Crystal Palace Park;

  ?  to approve and champion capital and revenue projects that improve the usage and visitor experience at Crystal Palace Park;

  ?  to examine and pioneer different opportunities for investment at Crystal Palace Park;

  ?  to work closely with the Mayor of London to (i) explore a regional status for Crystal Palace Park and (ii) enter into discussions with the National Trust, English Heritage and other industry sectors about the future governance of Crystal Palace Park; and

  ?  develop employment and skills opportunities at Crystal Palace  Park.

It was proposed that the Management Board take the form of: (i) Crystal Palace Park Executive Project Board overseeing and implementing the Board’s work by making recommendations as appropriate to LBB’s Executive; (ii) LBB Project Team of existing LBB officers supporting the Management Board by establishing the Crystal Palace Park Stakeholder Groups and providing on going support and (iii) four Crystal Palace Park Stakeholder Groups established by the Executive Project Board - Community, Site Management, Heritage and Borough Councils – with each group supported by Council officers and given responsibility to investigate and deliver options for the park as directed by the Project Board.

In discussion it was suggested that the estimate of visitors to Crystal Palace Park and national Sports Stadium under “customer impact” might represent visits rather than visitors – in response it was agreed to investigate and provide further advice. 

Councillor Tom Papworth visiting the Committee and a ward Member for Crystal Palace ward welcomed the report. He supported the model of a “not for profit” organisation for the Park’s future governance. He also referred to the Management Board’s Stakeholder Groups having representatives from within and outside of the borough.

Councillor Papworth referred to local accountability and welcomed the strengthening of Member representation.

Concerning reinvestment of Bromley’s contribution to the Lee Valley Regional Park for Crystal Palace Park, Councillor Papworth commented that other boroughs could make similar claims for local reinvestment of their contributions. He was also glad to see positions for two community representatives on the Executive Project Board.

Committee Members whose wards were close to Crystal Palace park also made comments including the following:

·  the proposed structure of the Management Board was impressive and showed a change of approach to positive action – it provided for all the people who ought to be on the Board;

·  on the Project Timetable a desire was expressed to see rapid progress on recommendations so that views could be reviewed in a year’s time;

·  it was suggested there should be more than one Ward Councillor position on the Executive Project Board - Crystal Palace Park was used by residents from a number of wards;

·  a question was asked on whether there should be representation from boroughs adjacent to the park; and

·  reference was made to statutory restrictions on the use of the park.

The Portfolio Holder commended officers on bringing the report forward referring to the Park being under utilised and a good asset. Potential funding was needed and the Portfolio Holder expressed his opposition to Bromley having to pay a contribution to Lee Valley Regional Park. The Leader had also raised the matter at London Councils. The Portfolio Holder further referred to the importance of driving the initiative forward – with investment increased, footfall could be attracted which in turn would attract further footfall; it was necessary to draw in the investment.

The Chairman suggested that the composition of the proposed bodies be reviewed over the coming year as the process is taken forward and if other boroughs were to invest funding they would merit representation. The Chairman also suggested that work be undertaken to explore which other boroughs could contribute to the park.

RESOLVED that the Executive be recommended to:

(1)  take account of the Committee’s comments;

(2)  approve the creation of the Crystal Palace Park Management Board (Appendix 1 to Report DRR11/091) and

(3)  agree that Officers support members of the Crystal Palace Park Management Board to:

·  explore the ‘not-for-profit’ organisation governance option for the park;

·  pursue discussions with established organisations who have the experience and capability of managing green spaces, such as the National Trust and English Heritage;

·  investigate options for a challenge of the Lee Valley Regional Park Act 1966 in collaboration with neighbouring boroughs to obtain agreement to reinvest Bromley’s funds into Crystal Palace Park; and

·  agree that the Crystal Palace Park Executive Project Board bring back further reports to the Executive with recommendations on the future management of Crystal Palace Park and any other significant developments.