Mayor pledges £30,000 to improve access to Crystal Palace dinosaurs

The Friends of the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs have been awarded £30,000 by the Mayor of London for their campaign to improve public access to the island where the world’s first life-sized dinosaur models were built back in 1854.

The campaign has already attracted hundreds of supporters, including local residents, businesses and award-winning architects Tonkin Liu. This week the Mayor of London confirmed his support for the plan, pledging £30,000 towards the scheme as part of Crowdfund London.

With a Dino Bridge, the Friends will be able to provide access for conservators to maintain and restore the 164-year-old Grade-I listed sculptures. They will also run regular educational tours for members of the public and schools.

Chairwoman of Trustees Ellinor Michel said: “A Dino Bridge will mean many more people can get up close to the Crystal Palace dinosaurs, and help us to look after them, too.

“But don’t worry – we’ve learned our lessons from Jurassic Park – the Dino Bridge will be secure. We don’t want the wrong people getting in – or the dinosaurs getting out.”

Talking about the ‘Crowdfund London’ programme, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, Jules Pipe, said: “All Londoners should feel that they are part of the regeneration of their neighbourhoods, and crowdfunding is a really effective way of giving people a stake in their part of the city.

“The Mayor’s Crowdfund London programme empowers Londoners to bring about positive change in their local area and I would encourage people to support these innovative projects.”

The charity still needs to raise more than £35,000 between now and December 17.
Individuals and businesses can pledge at www.spacehive.com/bridges-to-the­crystal-palace-dinosaurs