Park to get massive £17.5m makeover
By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter
A park is set to receive a £17.5 million upgrade, with residents saying the space’s “filthy lakes” need cleaning but hope the park’s famous dinosaurs don’t become too “pristine”.
Bromley council announced at the end of last month that HTA Design had been appointed to lead the project on Crystal Palace Park.
The scheme will see restoration of the Grade I listed dinosaur statues, as well as regeneration of the park’s Italian Terraces.
Funding for the project comes from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as Bromley council’s sale of residential properties beside the park.
Melanie MacLaverty, 73, said she goes to Crystal Palace Park three times a week to walk her daughter’s dog.
She said: “I think it’s lovely. I know they want to do some work with the dinosaurs because they’re a bit aged. They’re quirky.
“I just hope they don’t make it too pristine.
“I like it as a bit rough and with all the wildflowers and everything.”
The ambitious project will reportedly also include updates to the park’s tidal lakes.
Elizabeth Heon, 54, who walks her dog in the park every day, said: “I wish that big space of water could be cleaner and more protected so dogs don’t end up in it. It needs cleaning, it’s really filthy.”
The Crystal Palace Park Trust is scheduled to take over day-to-day management of the park from September this year.
Valerie Shawcross, interim chief executive of the trust, said: “As a community trust, our focus will be on managing the park in a way that helps protect its historic assets, like the dinosaurs, better, and bring more attention to the needs and wishes of park users.”
Pictured top: Melanie MacLaverty (Picture: Joe Coughlan)
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