Crystal Palace ward

Report DRR20/018

The Executive received a report summarising progress on the restoration of Crystal Palace Park and seeking authority to proceed with the restoration of the Crystal Palace Subway. The outline planning application for the Regeneration Plan had now been submitted - this reflected the scheme as presented to Members in 2017, with some changes to the Capel Manor College site next to the Museum and the existing farm site. The Leader stated that he would be contacting the Mayor of London to explain why it was crucial that the capital receipt for the two sites sold for housing was maximised to support the Park. 

Councillor Angela Wilkins addressed the meeting as a ward member for Crystal Palace. She thanked officers for their achievement in getting the Subway restoration plans in place, and commented that there was some opposition from residents to the Capel Manor development. She also stated that it was important that transfer of events management to the Crystal Palace Park Trust should happen as quickly as possible. Councillor William Huntington-Thresher confirmed that it was the intention that the Trust would take on the management of the events programme, and the related income stream, but also the liability for maintenance and clearing up after events. The details of the impact on the idverde contract needed to be worked through.

Councillor Nicholas Bennett addressed the meeting as the Council’s Design and Heritage Champion. He had been impressed by the work of Capel Manor College, which had also taken over the Hadlow College site in Mottingham, and he supported the College’s plans. He welcomed the restoration of the subway, and urged that explanatory notice-boards should be installed to provide information about this scheme and the history of the Park. Councillor Peter Morgan, Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, agreed on this point and stated that there was a need for new notice-boards across the Park.

Councillor Bennett also invited Members to attend the historic vehicle run starting at Crystal Palace Park at 7am on 3^rd May 2020.

Councillor Simon Fawthrop drew attention to the cost of the subway scheme, which was based on a detailed condition survey and cost plan work undertaken in 2014, with the addition of 48.5% inflation, which he questioned. Officers explained that this was a prudent figure, including all fees, 10% contingency and 5% dilapidation costs and reflecting not only inflation but also the specialist nature of the work. Officers undertook to provide a note with further details to Councillor Fawthrop. 

The report had been scrutinised by the Renewal, Recreation and Housing PDS Committee on 11^th February 2020, and the Committee supported the proposals.

RESOLVED that

(1) The contents of the report be noted, including the information relating to the submission of the Regeneration Plan outline planning application.

(2) Subject to the agreement of full Council, the addition of the Subway project to the Capital Programme at a cost of £3.141m on the basis of the scheme costs being fully funded by grants from the Strategic Investment pot, Historic England, and Transport for London, and a contribution from the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, be approved.