Out-Law News 1 min. read
04 Oct 2013, 2:21 pm
Announced on the project website, http://www.thelondoncrystalpalace.com/ Chinese developer ZhongRong Group plans to rebuild The Crystal Palace, which burnt down in 1936. The Chinese investment group announced its plans at a launch event with the mayor and the leader of Bromley Council, Stephen Carr.
The proposals for Crystal Palace include the full restoration of the park, based on the original Victorian design, through new landscaping, planting and a central tree-lined boulevard. Improved access, lighting and a new café, visitor centre and restored concert bowl, are also included in the proposals.
The original Crystal Palace was designed by Joseph Paxton for the 1851 Great Exhibition in Hyde Park. The innovative Palace was the largest glass structure in the world before being destroyed by a fire.
Boris Johnson is also to chair a board of experts who will advise on the design of the palace and surrounding park. Other board members include special adviser to Prince Charles Hank Dittmar, Eden Project co-founder Sir Tim Smit and London Design Festival chairman Sir John Sorrell CBE. Johnson said the advisory board will establish core design principles, which will guide the appointment of an architect to work with the board to ensure the plans are “of the highest quality, sympathetic to this much-loved heritage site and fit for the 21st century”.
ZhongRong Group chairman Ni Zhaoxing said: "London is renowned across the world for its history and culture and the former Crystal Palace is celebrated in China as a magnificent achievement".
Mayor of London Boris Johnson added, "Today's announcement marks an exciting new chapter for Crystal Palace Park. This is a vision that could not only see a world-class landmark building reinstated, of the quality of the original, but the restoration of the entire surrounding park, bringing jobs and growth".
ZhongRong has submitted a request for an exclusivity agreement to Bromley Council as landowner. A planning application could be submitted in autumn 2014 ahead of work starting on site in winter 2015.
