Agenda item

Report DRR17/029

With the development stage of the Regeneration Plan for Crystal Palace Park now complete Members considered the next steps for taking the Regeneration Plan (i.e. capital scheme to regenerate the park as per Masterplan, a new form of governance, and a new business model) forward to delivery.

To effect termination of the lease to the Caravan Club, currently occupying a potential housing site (Rockhills) within the Masterplan area, it was necessary to take the Regeneration Plan forward now. Not to do so would mean that any new lease granted to the Caravan Club could not be opposed so preventing any redevelopment during the lease period.

Separate to the Regeneration Plan, the Improvement Scheme is currently being delivered in the park. Following an open tender process for the café works contract, the tenders received exceeded the estimate for delivering a new café - the lowest tender obtainable (including 10% contingency) being £242.3k over budget. As such Executive was asked to approve an additional spend of up to £242.3k, funded from capital receipts, to deliver the café project. The sum included a contingency which might not be needed and should this be the case any remaining contingency would contribute towards the next phase of the Regeneration Plan scheme. The outcome of the tender process for the café was detailed in an associated Part 2 report to Executive

In discussion it was confirmed that it was not possible to find a suitable alternative site for the Caravan Club in the Park.

It was intended that the Trust would take responsibility for full maintenance of the park including activities such as grass cutting. A further report on management would be brought to Members. Should arrangements not proceed, the Council could consider a dowry to provide for maintenance. The London boroughs bordering the park have been reluctant to contribute to a dowry and a further meeting would be held in a further two weeks to help influence any change on the position.

On parking, a number of car parks were currently available in the Park. However, parking needed to be controlled to provide improved arrangements and this would be looked at within a broader context. Uncertainty also remained at this stage on the detail of a revised scheme for the National Sports Centre. Parking is free at the Park primarily due to heavy parking in surrounding local roads. A Controlled Parking Zone was being considered and when arrangements for the park are settled it would be possible to consider the parking position and the potential for car parking charges to support maintenance of the park. There is also good rail link to the park.

Members supported the recommendations to Executive.

RESOLVED that the report be noted and the Executive be recommended to:

(1)  approve spend of up to £625k funded from Capital Receipts to progress the Regeneration Plan to submission of the outline planning application by Spring 2018 and add this to the Capital Programme; and

(2)  approve a further £242.3k from Capital Receipts to deliver the Crystal Palace Park Café Project and amend the Capital Programme - any unspent contingency contributing towards the next Phase of the Regeneration Plan scheme.