Crystal Palace set to sparkle again
THE ORIGINAL Crystal Palace is set to be bought back to life in a £500m investment aimed at revitalising the area in south London as a major tourist attraction.
Chinese developer ZhongRong group yesterday unveiled the ambitious plans which involve rebuilding the palace on the site of the original Victorian building, which burned down in 1936. The glass palace will be the same size at its Victorian predecessor.
Both Bromley Council and London mayor Boris Johnson have backed the plans, which also involve restoring the surrounding park to its former glory.
The plans will create a new culture-led exhibition space, which incorporates the listed Italian style terraces and other Victorian heritage within the park. A new cafe, visitor centre and restored concert bowl are also included in the proposals.
Pending planning permission, work on the plans could start as soon as winter 2015.