EXCLUSIVITY AGREEMENT ON PARK ENDS – but discussions continue, say Bromley council
An exclusivity agreement about Crystal Palace Park lapsed on Monday, Bromley council have confirmed.
The exclusivity agreement between ZhongRong Group and Bromley Council commenced in October 2013 following a request by ZhongRong Group and allowed time for detailed plans to be formulated and discussions to take place.
Bromley council leader Cllr Stephen Carr said, “These have been and remain complex proposals. The potential to completely restore and improve the park as well as regeneration for the surrounding area is something we cannot ignore.
“Equally, the Council is not going to agree to something without being confident about the proposals as we are custodians of this fantastic park.
“Whilst we are no longer bound by an exclusivity agreement, the confidential discussions have not concluded and these continue with ZhongRong” he added.
“Local people and other interested parties should know that when there is something to say, we will keep them informed as we have sought to do all the way along this process and I thank them for their continued patience.”
Cllr Carr’s comments came in a council press release issued on Tuesday. The council statement said work to improve the park continues, with Kinnear Landscape Architects (KLA) having been appointed in October to carry out feasibility work as part of a range of £2.4 million improvement works to the park, identified in consultation with the local community, funded by Bromley and the GLA.
“This feasibility stage is expected to be completed by March, and delivery of capital improvement works will then begin this summer. “Bromley council continue to work with community groups such as the Friends of Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs and the Crystal Palace Skatepark group.
“In addition to the capital improvements a £240k community project fund is being set up for Crystal Palace Park. “This fund will open this spring, with community groups being able to bid for funding of up to £20k to carry out a wide range of activity in the park for the benefit of local residents and visitors.”
Further information about Crystal Palace Park is available at www.bromley.gov.uk/crystalpalacepark.