<<

MASTERPLAN – OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Issued by

URS Economics and Development St George’s House Prepared by Mahima Vijendra Consultant 5 St George’s Road SW19 4DR T 020 8944 3476 F 020 8944 3301

Gareth Edgley Consultant

David Widger Senior Regeneration Consultant

Checked by Rory Brooke Principal Consultant

Issue No 1 Date: 20/11/07 Details of Revisions: Original issue

Brent Design Unit [email protected] 12.07BDU5560

2 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

London Development Agency

Palestra

197 Blackfriars Road

LONDON SE1 8AA

Tel: +44 (0)207 593 8000

Fax:+44 (0)207 593 8002

www.lda.gov.uk

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Limitation

URS Corporation Limited (URS) has prepared this Report for the sole use of the London Development Agency in accordance with the Agreement under which our services were performed. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the professional advice included in this Report or any other services provided by us. This Report may not be relied upon by any other party without the prior and express written agreement of URS. Unless otherwise stated in this Report, the assessments made assume that the sites and facilities will continue to be used for their current purpose without significant change. The conclusions and recommendations contained in this Report are based upon information provided by others and upon the assumption that all relevant information has been provided by those parties from whom it has been requested. Information obtained from third parties has not been independently verified by URS, unless otherwise stated in the Report.

Copyright

© This Report is the copyright of URS Corporation Limited. Any unauthorised reproduction or usage by any person other than the addressee is strictly prohibited.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN CONTENTS

CONTENTS

ACRONYMS 06 4 DEMAND ASSESSMENT 25 6 REVIEW OF FUNDING AND REVENUE SOURCES 48 4.1 Concert Bowl 26 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 07 6.1 Introduction 48 4.2 Treetop Walk 28 6.2 Sources of Funding for 4.3 North Greenhouse and South 1 INTRODUCTION 12 Crystal Palace Park 48 Greenhouse 30 1.1 Purpose of Study 12 6.3 Income Generation from 4.4 Crystal Palace Park Museum 32 Park Facilities 51 1.2 Report Structure 12 4.5 Interpretation Facilities 33 6.4 Conclusion 53 4.6 Pavilion Assessment 35 2 CONTEXT 13 4.7 Capel Manor College Farm & Lodge 36 7 ANALYSIS OF MANAGEMENT 2.1 Introduction 13 STRUCTURES 54 4.8 Palace Kiosks 37 2.2 Background to Crystal Palace Park 7.1 Introduction 54 Regeneration Plans 13 4.9 Other Crystal Palace Park Visitors/Users 38 7.2 Options 54 2.3 Vision and Objectives for Crystal Palace Park 15 4.10 Overall Visitor Projections 39 7.3 Conclusion 57

2.4 Community Involvement 16 5 CAPITAL AND REVENUE 8 REGENERATION IMPACT 58 2.5 Proposals for Enhancing COSTS 44 Crystal Palace Park 17 8.1 Introduction 58 5.1 Introduction 44 8.2 Summary of Quantitative Impacts 3 STRATEGIC REVIEW 21 5.2 Construction Costs for of Crystal Palace Park Masterplan Crystal Palace Park 44 proposals 58 3.1 Introduction 21 5.3 Maintenance Costs 8.3 Wider Regeneration Impacts 3.2 Regional Strategy 21 for Crystal Palace Park 45 of Crystal Palace Park Masterplan 3.3 Sub-Regional Strategy 22 proposals 59 5.4 Staffing Costs for Crystal Palace Park 46 3.4 Local Policy 24

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 05 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

ACRONYMS

9 NEXT STEPS 64 DPD Development Plan Document

9.1 Introduction 64 EiP Examination in Public

9.2 More Detailed Demand Assessment 64 GLA Authority

9.3 Capital and Revenue Costs 64 HLF Heritage Lottery Fund

9.4 Detailed Research into Funding LB London Borough Sources 64 LDA London Development Agency 9.5 Detailed Economic Assessment 64 NSC National Sports Centre 9.6 Management Arrangements 65 RSC Regional Sports Centre 9.7 Business Plan 65 RPO Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 9.8 Funding Bids/Packages 65 TfL

SDG Steer Davies Gleave

SRDFSub Regional Development Framework

UDP Unitary Development Plan

06 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction The main purpose of the first stage of work is to Demand Assessment draw up an outline business case to inform the A substantial amount of work has already gone Park Masterplan proposals are planning application due to be submitted by end into regeneration plans for Crystal Palace Park. expected to have a major impact on the total of October 2007. This report gives an overall The London Development Agency (LDA) is number of visitors to the location and will strategy based on an initial review and is not a working with partners to plan the long-term future encourage a greater number of people from both fully justified business case. The findings will be of the Park's facilities. A Planning Framework was the local and wider areas to visit the Park. used as a basis for the development of a detailed submitted to Council in 2005 and since Estimated visitor numbers per annum to each business plan for the Park, which will be used for then the LDA has moved into the next phase of facility in Crystal Palace Park are shown in Table example, as an input into a Green Book activity; appointing Latz & Partners to lead more E1 on page 8. Appraisal. detailed masterplanning of the Park. The LDA’s aim is to submit an outline planning application by end of October 2007 and secure permission Strategic Review and funding in 2008. The Crystal Palace Park Masterplan proposals will An essential element of the work is a strategy for contribute to regeneration in the area and will fit funding to cover capital and revenue costs and with the strategic objectives of the following to justify the scheme in terms of its significant regional, sub-regional and local strategies: social and economic benefits. This assignment ■ The London Plan considers this requirement and is divided into two stages. This report focuses on the first stage and ■ The Mayor’s Cultural Strategy aims to: ■ Sub-Regional Development Framework ■ Undertake a demand assessment of the proposed facilities in the Park ■ South London Economic Development ■ Briefly review the most promising sources Implementation Plan Final Draft of capital and revenue funding ■ London Borough of Bromley Replacement ■ Provide an initial outline of the economic Unitary Development Plan; and benefits and costs for enhancing the Park. ■ Community Plan: Building a Better Bromley 2007-10.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 07 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Table E1 Crystal Palace Park Facilities Visitor Estimates

Attraction Baseline Visitor Numbers pa Future Visitor Numbers pa Concert Bowl 0 80,000 - 145,000

Treetop Walk n/a 130,000 – 250,000

Café and Dinosaur Interpretation Centre n/a 100,000 – 175,000

Crystal Palace Park Museum n/a 100,000- 175,000

North Green House n/a 150,000 – 200,000

South Green House n/a 150,000 – 200,000

Farm/College and Lodge n/a 12,000 – 15,000

Cricket Pavilion n/a 8,000 - 10,000

NSC and RSC regular users 274,000 274,000

NSC and RSC events (inc. concerts) 194,000 374,000

Other events 20,000 118,000

Source: URS and LDA

URS have developed two different approaches for estimating total numbers of visitors per annum to Crystal Palace Park. As well as our forecasts our estimates build upon baseline survey work conducted by Steer Davis Gleave. The estimated baseline number of visitors is 1.7 million and overall visitor numbers per annum to the revitalised Park is estimated to be between 2.6 and 2.9 million.

8 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN CONTEXT

Capital and Revenue Costs for ■ Heritage Lottery Fund ■ Cricket Pavilion and playing surface – income Crystal Palace Park will be generated through hire of the multi- ■ Sport England purpose facility and the playing surface area The Crystal Palace Park cost plan totals £67.5 ■ Big Lottery – Community Buildings million and provides indicative construction costs ■ North and South Greenhouse – income will Programme for the Park. The cost plan does not include be generated through the Greenhouse café. costings for the National Sports Centre (NSC), ■ London Borough of Bromley and other The greenhouses will provide sources of Regional Sports Centre (RSC), new Museum, boroughs income for the Park through the Butterfly Palace Kiosks and Capel Manor student Pod, visitors shop and snacks facility; and ■ Commercial bank loan/Private Finance accommodation. Initiative ■ Palace Kiosks that will be rented out to The annual maintenance and lifecycle costs for service providers. ■ Charitable trusts; and a revitalised regional Park are estimated to be £2,820,292. This compares with the current annual ■ Receipt from sale of part of the Park land Analysis of Management maintenance budget of £1,143,000. for residential housing. Structures There will be a range of operational costs The revitalised Crystal Palace Park will provide a The report highlights potential options for the associated with running the revitalised Park. The number of income generating facilities for the Park. governance and management structure of Crystal main running cost is likely to be the in-house Park These include: Palace Park. The following management structures staff. The estimated total salaries for Crystal Palace ■ Concert Bowl events were analysed: Park in-house staff are £815,000. A range of other operational costs will be worked up for the Park ■ Events around the terraces ■ London Borough of Bromley including an ongoing maintenance cycle for ■ Dinosaur Interpretation Facilities – income ■ London Development Agency buildings and structures. will be generated through the Café, ■ Informal partnership e.g. between the five gift shop and hiring out of the multi- adjoining south London boroughs and the Review of Funding and Revenue purpose space LDA Sources ■ Crystal Palace Park Museum – income will ■ Formal partnership The LDA will look to supplement core funding of be generated through café/bistro, gift shop the Park with other sources. The report has and hiring out of the subway facility and ■ Independent trust or company; and reviewed the following sources of funding: viewing platform area ■ A new park authority or similar organisation.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 09 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Table E2 Crystal Palace Park Facilities Evaluated Against Indicators of Regeneration Impacts

Social Inclusion Education Economic Health & & Community & Life Long Environment Heritage Facilities/Indicator Value Well-Being Development Learning & Ecology & Culture

Crystal Palace Park Farm and Lodge ✓✓✓✓

Penge Café and Dinosaur Interprétation Facilities ✓✓✓✓

Concert Bowl ✓✓✓✓

South Greenhouse ✓✓✓

North Greenhouse ✓✓✓

Palace Kiosks ✓

Crystal Palace Park Museum ✓✓✓✓

Cricket Pavilion ✓✓✓ ✓ ✓

Treetop Walk ✓✓ ✓✓

Events in the Park ✓✓ ✓

Regional Sports Centre ✓✓✓ ✓

National Sports Centre ✓✓✓ ✓

10 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Regeneration Impact of Park Next Steps Specific points to note include:

The masterplan proposals seek to: This document provides an outline of a business ■ Proposals for the NSC and RSC are case for the Crystal Palace Park Masterplan currently in draft outline with further detail ■ Reinforce the Park as the primary visitor proposals. A range of additional work will be to be submitted attraction in the area, drawing between required. The suggested next steps in the process 700,000 and 1 million additional visitors. ■ Costings for remediation works and phasing of developing the Crystal Palace Park business plan, are being investigated and may require ■ Create over 80 new jobs in the construction economic and regeneration case and funding bids more detailed soil testing and investigation. phase, up to 100 new jobs in the Park and include: buildings, 50 jobs in the wider area through ■ There is a need to prepare an on-going ■ A more detailed demand assessment significantly increased expenditure in town costed maintenance plan for the upkeep of centres and almost £4 million of annual ■ Detailed capital and revenue costs the Park and its structures. We would also household expenditure by new residents. recommend the formation of a fund to pay ■ Detailed research into funding sources for upgrading facilities (e.g. new There will be a number of wider regeneration ■ Detailed economic assessment exhibitions) to keep them fresh and impacts from the Crystal Palace Park Masterplan attractive. proposals and these are summarised in Table E2 ■ Management arrangements on page 10. ■ Detailed business plan; and

■ Funding bids/packages

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 11 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

1. INTRODUCTION

1 1.1. Purpose of Study The main purpose of the first stage of work is to Section 5 Capital and Maintenance Costs of draw up an outline business case to inform the Facilities and the Park: this reviews (where An essential element of the work that needs to planning application due to be submitted by end possible) potential capital and revenue costs for be addressed in detail is a strategy for funding of October 2007. This report gives an overall each element of the Park. to cover capital and revenue costs and to justify strategy based on an initial review and is not a the scheme in terms of its significant social and Section 6 Review of Funding and Revenue fully justified business case. The findings will be economic benefits. Sources: this briefly considers potential funding used as a basis for the development of a detailed streams for the Park and includes revenue To ensure that improvements to the Park are business plan for the Park, which will be used for generated from some of the Park’s facilities. planned in the most cost effective way there is example, as an input into a Green Book Appraisal. a need to establish the main priorities and ensure Section 7 Analysis of Management Structures: that costs are phased on an appropriate basis. this briefly outlines the options for the overall 1.2. Report Structure In the event of a reduction in core funding this management of Crystal Palace Park. will ensure that areas of the Park in greatest need The report structure is as follows: Section 8 Regeneration Impact: this provides a of enhancement are priortised. Section 2 Context: this outlines the background general assessment of the economic and There will be a need to draw in support from to the regeneration plans for Crystal Palace Park, regeneration benefits of the Masterplan proposals. funding organisations and the economic case for the vision and objectives and a brief description Section 9 Next Steps: this outlines next steps the Park will be used to attract investment. of the Masterplan proposals. in the process of developing the Crystal Palace This assignment is covered in two stages. This Section 3 Strategic Review: this highlights the Park business plan. report focuses on the first stage and aims to: strategic policy context of the Masterplan proposals within the local area and the sub-region. ■ Provide an initial outline of the economic benefits and costs for enhancing the Park Section 4 Demand Assessment of Proposed Facilities: this provides an assessment of the ■ Undertake a demand assessment of the demand for the proposed facilities and total visitors proposed facilities in the Park; and to Crystal Palace Park. ■ Briefly review the most promising sources of capital and revenue funding.

12 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

2. CONTEXT

2.1. Introduction

This section provides the background to Crystal Palace Park regeneration plans, highlights the vision for the Park and objectives for the 2 Masterplan proposals. The section also considers the role of the community in developing the proposals and identifies how the Masterplan proposals fit in with the local and sub-regional strategies in terms of the role it will play in contributing to regeneration in the area.

2.2. Background to Crystal Palace Park Regeneration Plans

Crystal Palace Park

The London Boroughs of Bromley (LBB), Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham and surround Crystal Palace Park as illustrated in Figure 2.1. The Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the southeast of England at just under 80 hectares in area and has significant historical value and significance. It is considered to be of regional and local importance due to the sports facilities it offers and as a significant area of public open

Figure 2.1 Crystal Palace Park and Surrounding London Boroughs

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 13 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Crystal Palace Park, as illustrated in Figure 2.2, consists of open parkland with pathways, access Sydenham Hill/Rockhills roads, car parking facilities, buildings and structures related to park maintenance, sport and 2 Heart of the Park recreation facilities. The main built elements include the National Sports Centre and Athletics Stadium. Other key features of the Park include the terraces located adjacent to Crystal Palace Parade and the central axis which runs centrally from the terraces through the entire Park to north Sydenham Gate east edge of the Park at the Penge Gateway. Old Palace Site There are five main entrances to the Park which

National Sports Centre are referred to as ‘Gates’ these are: ■ Hill/Crystal Palace Station to the south

■ Norwood Triangle located to the southwest at the junction of Crystal Palace Parade, Stadium Anerley Hill and Westow Street ■ Sydenham Hill/Rockhills to the northwest Penge ■ Crystal Palace Station Sydenham to the north along Crystal Palace Dinosaur Park Park Road; and

■ Penge at the junction of Crystal Palace Park Road and Thicket Road in the northeast. Central Walkway

Figure 2.2 Crystal Palace Park Source: Crystal Palace Park Masterplan Proposals 2007

14 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Masterplan Proposals for Crystal 2.3 Vision and Objectives for potential stage for small impromptu and Palace Park Crystal Palace Park organised events, which might celebrate recurring themes of ecology, sport, horticulture, Crystal Palace Park, which was once home to the The Crystal Palace Planning Framework (2005) and cultural diversity, arts, music and technology.’ renowned Crystal Palace – a showcase of the latest Addendum (2007) provide the scope for the 2 technological, science and engineering innovations Masterplan and set out the LDA’s vision for improving ■ A sustainable park. As the first truly of the 19th century – now stands in disrepair and the Park and the National Sports Centre (NSC) sustainable park in the UK, LDA’s proposals in desperate need of rejuvenation. Its state of facilities, which is to rejuvenate Crystal Palace Park seek to establish Crystal Palace Park as a deterioration calls for new proposals and initiatives as a metropolitan park, heritage asset, cultural, ‘showcase for sustainability, embracing the that are intended to rejuvenate not only the leisure, educational and recreational resource for the latest technologies and thinking in terms of buildings and facilities within the Park but also 21st century to meet the needs of local people, sports renewable energy; reusable water; efficient its surroundings with the aim of providing greater people and the public at large while reinterpreting management of waste, construction and economic, social and cultural benefits at both local and conserving its national significance. design and in the overall management of and regional levels. the Park.’ The five core principles that form the basis for The LDA’s vision for Crystal Palace Park is a revived the Masterplan proposals and embody the ■ An accessible and integrated park – this metropolitan park for the 21st century, which meets essence of the initiative for the Park are: includes linking in with the improved the needs of local people, sports people and the transport facilities, including the East London ■ A revived metropolitan park and heritage public at large, and provides a valued leisure, Line and potential extension of Croydon asset. The main aim under this principle is educational and recreational resource. It is that will increase the public to ‘re-establish the Park’s local and regional anticipated that the regeneration and rejuvenation transport accessibility to the area and better significance building on the interest and will provide a catalyst to the wider regeneration integrate the Park. In addition to the enthusiasm for the Park’s cultural success. of the area. improved transport accessibility and The vision is one of social inclusion, with the facilities, the proposals also seek to activate The LDA has the option to take on responsibility Park being a focus of the local community’s the Park edges through the provision of for the Park by March 2009 from London daily life, enhancing the sense of well-being, improved gateways, with the aim of creating Borough Bromley (LBB) and are about to submit local and regional identity and civic pride.’ focal points of activity around key access Masterplan proposals for the Park following ■ A sports and event park. The Planning areas that will help re-connect the Park with consultation with LBB, English Heritage, Sports Framework suggests that ‘in addition to the its surroundings and the local communities England, Leisure Limited and other key major event spaces identified by the Park, the that use it. stakeholders (including various working groups) whole of the Park should be regarded as a and the public.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 15 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

■ An educational park - Interpretation (including the general public). The dialogue has been others), heritage value and possibly public facilities at the Park ‘to improve people’s particularly informing the LDA’s decision-making on: attractions on a wider scale; and understanding of the physical Park, its ■ Future of the National Sports Centre; and ■ There is dissatisfaction with the current historic development, associations and 2 state of the Park and in general terms there meaning and knowledge of particular aspects ■ Future of the rest of the Park. is strong support for local investment. relevant to the Park such as the discovery of In February 2005, a small Task Group was set ’ will cater to varied audiences and In October-December 2005 a second public up within the dialogue process to work more also aim to communicate the uniqueness of consultation exercise was held by the LDA, which closely with the LDA to develop a range of the Park and its sense of place. presented more specific proposals for particular proposals and options for Crystal Palace Park. The areas of the Park. Key findings2 from this exercise Task Group were heavily involved in the included: 2.4. Community Involvement masterplan proposals of the Crystal Palace Park Planning Framework (2005) and are currently ■ Support for the Park vision and principles Crystal Palace Dialogue assisting with the development of the Crystal were strong ranging from 80-92%. 91% of Palace Park Masterplan. consultees felt a revived metropolitan park The LDA and its partners have undertaken extensive was ‘very/reasonably appropriate’ consultation with the wider community and a large Wider Community Consultation number of stakeholders in order to influence and ■ The proposed list of improvements was improve proposals for Crystal Palace Park. In September 2004 an interactive public exhibition generally supported by consultees. was held by the LDA as part of the on-going The Dialogue Process has been running since 2002. A wider community consultation programme has consultation process. The exhibition, to which It is a membership-based forum for regular, in-depth, been running since September 2006, which through dialogue members had considerable input, multi-stakeholder discussions, and in particular, for use of diverse methods, including public workshops showed some of the possibilities for the future exploration and negotiation between the statutory and involvement in Park activities, has aimed to of Crystal Palace Park and the NSC. Key findings1 bodies (LBB and the LDA) actually or potentially raise the profile of the emerging Masterplan. The from this exercise included the following: responsible for the Park, local community programme has looked to engage the local organisations and park users. The Dialogue ■ There is keen interest in the future of population in the design process - particularly with Process has a membership of nearly 250 local and Crystal Palace Park. traditionally excluded or “hard-to-reach” groups national organisations and community members with ■ The Park is valued for a variety of reasons, an interest in the Park. The LDA has used the including tranquil open space and wildlife, 1. Crystal Palace Park Planning Framework (LDA, 2005) Dialogue Process as a major element in its ongoing 2. Crystal Palace Park: Report on the Public Consultation family facilities, sports (for local people and Exercise October – December 2005 (Nigel Westaway & consultation with the main stakeholder groups Associates, 2006).

16 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

such as young people and Black, Asian & Minority a high degree of consensus on the bulk of the along Anerley Hill between Crystal Palace Station Ethnic communities - and feed back views, opinions proposals. and Upper Norwood. This will create a more inviting and ideas on emerging options. and welcoming entrance to the Park and make a major contribution to improving park security. Some highlights include: 2.5. Proposals for Enhancing 2 Crystal Palace Park ■ Distribution of over 300,000 copies of a Proposed Building Masterplan regular newsletter (Park News) door-to-door proposals within the Anerley Hill Edge Introduction and 24,000 by post to stakeholders These include: A number of different areas of Crystal Palace Park ■ More than 5,000 visitors to public are to be enhanced as part of the Masterplan proposals. ■ Crystal Palace Park College and Lodge - workshops and other audience-specific and These are described briefly below and shown in Figure Resource and Education Centre with a weekend events 2.3 overleaf 3. This section also provides details of maximum of 30 bed spaces ■ Over 300 attendees at 13 different future infrastructure projects that will have an impact ■ South Greenhouse with Mediterranean workshops for BAME groups on the Crystal Palace Park area and access to it. plants; and ■ Distribution of around 1,000 information Central Paxton Walkway ■ Former Crystal Palace Park Museum – packs at Christmas roadshows Rangers’ accommodation and Park The Central Paxton Walkway will form the main focus ■ An average of around 1,000 unique visitors information point. of the Park’s transformation, to create a visible axis to the website every month since its launch; by restoring ’s Central Walkway through and Palace Terrace the Park. This new walkway would be lined by a series ■ School visits involving over 3,000 children of small spaces, which blend in with the landscape The Masterplan proposals restore the old palace and 250 of their parents. to provide different interpretations and themes. site as a vibrant park promenade connecting the five local boroughs. The proposals are for a Further to this, an exhibition to gather feedback The Anerley Hill Edge continuous tree sheltered space across the whole from the community on the Masterplan planning site, which would be suitable for different application was held at Crystal Palace Station from A key part of the proposals is to enlarge the Park activities such as events and a quiet space for 17th – 31st October 2007. by actively improving its edges, increasing their use relaxation and reflection. and creating new and improved open spaces along The consultation process on regeneration of Crystal the Park’s boundary. The plans are to improve the Palace Park has shown that there is overwhelming integration of the Park and its urban surroundings 3. Please refer to the Crystal Palace Park Masterplan (2007) for support for lasting improvements to the Park, with more detail of these proposals.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 17 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Proposed Building Masterplan proposals within the Palace Terrace

These include: 2 ■ Palace site kiosks; and

■ Subway – historical asset to be integrated into the new museum complex.

Italian Terraces

The Italian Terrace, formerly surrounded by the Palace and its ‘wings’ marked the beginning of the Park and the Central Paxton Walkway. The intention is to recreate the essence of these spaces, the grandeur and scale of the former palace and the formal gardens on the Italian Terraces. The Upper Terrace would be transformed into a balcony to provide small-scale spaces for quiet recreation, with views into the Park. The Lower Terrace could provide a larger scale, well-serviced area as a multifunctional piazza.

The Transitional Landscape

The centre of the Park was originally a transitional zone linking the modern structure of the Crystal Palace itself and the prehistoric landscape of the lower Park. The initial ideas are to restore this Figure 2.3 Crystal Palace Park Masterplan Proposals use through soft landscaping, such as planting, removing the car parking and creating playgrounds. Water features, gardens and special

18 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

park spaces will be created to reconnect this area ■ Regional Sports Centre (RSC) – this will be Proposed Building Masterplan to the rest of the Park. a new build facility that would incorporate a proposals within Cricket Ground range of activities such as athletics facilities, ■ Park Ranger building – This is a HLF funded Proposed Building Masterplan swimming pools and a health and fitness zone. store/maintenance building relocated from 2 proposals within the Transitional its existing position within the Landscape Tidal Lakes store/maintenance enclosure; ■ Safety Meeting Point – a facility to be used The Masterplan proposes limited remedial works ■ Sydenham Residential – six blocks by the Park Rangers as a meeting area. in the lake and the prehistoric area, as this area recreating the row of Paxton villas that currently functions well. Dinosaurs are also one historically stood alongside the Park on The Central Sport Area of the listed features in the Park. Crystal Palace Park Road; and The National Sports Centre (NSC) is a Grade II* Listed Proposed Building Masterplan ■ Cricket Pavilion – multi-purpose facility. Building, which is an influential example of 1960s proposals within the Tidal Lakes architecture. None the less, it has been widely felt that English Landscape the NSC and the Athletics Stadium fit uncomfortably ■ Penge Café and Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Park. One part of the Masterplan process is to – to provide a gateway to the dinosaur area. The landscape is one of the key remaining features examine how the NSC and Athletics Stadium can be This would replace the existing shabby of the original park design. It is formed by a better integrated into the Park. The aim is to create buildings and would enhance the Penge beautiful wide semi-circular open space, with the a terrace with the structures used as multifunctional gateway to the Park. Facilities within the northern wooden edge of the English Landscape pavilions. Once a new Regional Sports Centre has been building would include a dinosaur interpretation encircling half of the Park, the former cricket pitch built as part of the reconfigured stadium it is hoped exhibition, café and an education suite for and the prehistoric area around the lower lake. that the NSC will host a range of functions and activities formal and informal learning for all ages. Plans to reduce fenced areas will improve the such as dry sports and other events. integration of the lower landscape and dinosaur Cricket Ground area into the rest of the Park. This will help Proposed Building Masterplan proposals promote and enhance these educational and The cricket ground currently works well, but needs within the Central ‘Sport’ Area attractive historic features. attention to improve its quality. The Masterplan ■ National Sports Centre – the present NSC aims to improve this so it can be used for cricket The Masterplan proposals aim to improve views and Stadium will remain but will be again, for other sports and to create a wider across the English Landscape to recreate the refurbished and used essentially for dry local circular open space to improve views. original spatial experience mostly lost over time, sports such as football and hockey; and except to the south by Penge Gate, to reconnect

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 19 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

it to the terraces and to Rockhills, by establishing East London Line Extension a treetop walk up to there. The plan will also expand The East London Line is currently being extended the landscape around the Concert Bowl, which is both north and south to link into the suburban secluded and is rarely used during the evenings. 2 rail network. The first stage (scheduled for completion in 2010) will see new overground rail Proposed Building Masterplan services running from & Islington via proposals within English Landscape Dalston Junction to West Croydon and Crystal ■ Rockhills Residential – residential Palace Station. development has been proposed to provide capital funding for basic Park improvements. This would make use of the land currently occupied by the Caravan . The site was once the site of Joseph Paxton’s mansion and two nineteenth century villas and the plan is to reintroduce the villas and bringing part of the area back into Park use.

■ North Greenhouse – tropical area with a butterfly pod facility.

Future Infrastructure Projects

Croydon Tramlink Extension Transport for London (TfL) is considering proposals for a new branch of Croydon Tramlink which would branch from the existing Junction route west of and terminate at Crystal Palace Bus Station to serve the Upper Norwood Triangle and the Palace Terrace.

20 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

3. STRATEGIC REVIEW

3.1 Introduction from the new permanent facilities in the quality of lives and their contribution to London Olympic Park. These will include ensuring both economically and socially. The following section provides a review of relevant that the facilities meet London’s sport needs regional, sub-regional and local strategies to Throughout London there are 143 registered parks and that they are accessible and affordable establish how Crystal Palace Park fits within this and over 600 historic squares. It is acknowledged for all Londoners.’ The policy also context and the role it will play in contributing that these spaces provide facilities for not only recommends that boroughs through their to regeneration of the area. local residents and workers but also for visitors forthcoming Development Plan Documents and tourists. They are an important location for (DPDs) should identify sites for a range of 3 cultural activities and events including sports and 3.2 Regional Strategy sports facilities that meet the local, sub- games and big events e.g. festivals. Parks and regional and wider needs. The London Plan (Further Alterations, Greater green spaces provide wildlife with valuable London Authority (GLA), September 2006) ■ Policy 3D.7 ‘realising the value of open habitats and have enormous value in their own space’ is particularly relevant to the scheme right. The London Plan is the Mayor’s Spatial in terms of the ‘Mayor working with Development Strategy for London and was Crystal Palace Park is mentioned specifically as strategic partners to protect and promote published in September 2004. It sets out an a major central London sports facility. It is and improve access to London's network of integrated social, economic and environmental described as being key to the on-going provision open spaces, to realise the current and framework for the future development of London, of sport in London. However, it is also noted that potential value of open space to looking forward 15-20 years. Proposed alterations its age means that it requires re-engineering or communities, and to protect the many to the Plan were considered by an examination replacing to suit the needs of the future. It is stated benefits of open space, including those in public (EiP) in July 2006/07 and the EiP Panel that the Mayor, working in conjunction with the associated with health, sport and recreation, Report on the Further Alterations was published Government Office for London, Sport England, the children’s play, regeneration, the economy, in October 2007. London Borough of Bromley, and the Greater culture, biodiversity and the environment.’ London Authority (GLA), ‘will ensure that a new The regeneration plans for Crystal Palace Park fit Crystal Palace sports facility is developed’. with the following policy headings in the London The Mayor’s Cultural Strategy Plan: The Mayor’s Cultural Strategy (GLA, 2004) aims ■ Policy 3D.5 is aligned with the development to maintain and enhance London’s reputation as of sports facilities in Crystal Palace Park. an international centre of excellence for creativity The policy states, ‘The Mayor will work with and culture. The strategy emphasises the role that partners to develop and implement legacies culture and cultural facilities have in people’s

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 21 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

3.3 Sub-Regional Strategy maximise the benefits of growth to South principle to ensure that Crystal Palace Park is the London’s excluded communities by making use first ‘truly sustainable park’. Sub-Regional Development Framework South of the Sub-Regional Economic Development London (GLA, 2006) In addition to the above strategic policies that Implementation Plan, targeting government and support the core principles behind the Masterplan The South London sub-region includes the EU resources, and through action plans to support proposals at Crystal Palace Park, the SRDF also London Boroughs of Bromley, Croydon, Merton, community-led regeneration. specifically identifies the wider Crystal Palace area Sutton, Kingston and Richmond. The South London ‘Ensuring development improves the environment’ including the Park as being one of the primary 3 Sub-Regional Development Framework’s (SRDF) is another significant aspiration of the SRDF, which locations for future visitor accommodation purpose is to provide guidance on the is underpinned by sub-themes. First is that of development through the regeneration of the Park implementation of policies in the London Plan in ‘Conservation, design and the public realm’ which and the sporting facilities. order to help deliver a sustainable and prosperous aims to preserve the 2000-year history of London’s future for the sub-region. The Sub-Regional Development Framework also buildings and spaces that play a significant role identifies Crystal Palace as one of the major growth In quantifying sustainable growth for South London in attracting tourists to the City. This policy is of and regeneration areas within South London. The there are a variety of aspects the SRDF covers. particular relevance to the proposed regeneration proposals for improved and integrated transport One of relevance to Crystal Palace Park relates of Crystal Palace Park because of its significance infrastructure along with the ‘City Growth to culture, leisure, and tourism. in London’s architectural history. The strategic Strategy’4 project for the area and the proposed policy is emphasised through Action 4A which The SRDF suggests that South London is enhancement of the sporting facilities suggest that suggests the boroughs and stakeholders should relatively well provided with playing fields and other the area would be undergoing major change and promote improvements to the public realm and such facilities but lacks in provision of large deserves special attention within the strategic open spaces and emphasise increasing the quality swimming pools. In addition much of those facilities Masterplan proposals plans. of the environment for pedestrians and cyclists. built during the 1970s are not in good condition. Hence, the framework identifies Crystal Palace Park ‘Sustainable design, construction and energy’ is as a major national and regional resource for another theme that is important to the quality

athletics and other sport activities, which the Mayor of the sub-region’s environment. The aim of 4. The City Growth Strategies Project was launched in June 2002 hopes to develop further. ensuring more sustainable forms of development and is being driven in the capital by the LDA. The initiative uses a is reinforced by the Mayor’s support for initiatives business led approach to creating jobs and enterprise in the inner The SRDF supports the promotion of social cities. London’s City Growth Strategies focus on the economic in both policy-making and exercise of development inclusion as part of its aim to ensure that advantages of its four pilot areas (the City Fringe, Heathrow City, control functions, which provides the strategic Haringey and London Borough Central. Further details of the City development brings benefit to communities. Action backing for the Planning Framework’s core Growth Strategies Project can be found on the LDA web site. 3A (i) states the Mayor and partners will

22 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

South London Economic Development ■ Investment in enterprise – to enable The Economic Development Strategy emphasises Implementation Plan Final Draft enterprise growth and competitiveness; and promoting South London’s assets with the aim of (South London Partnership, 2007) increasing the contribution to the visitor economy. ■ Investment in marketing and promotion – ‘[…] Major Masterplan proposals such as Battersea The South London Economic Development to make sure that what London offers is Power Station, Crystal Palace and Park Place in Implementation Plan sets out sub-regional understood, supported and valued. Croydon will lead to more employment actions, where cross-borough and partnership The first theme is of most relevance to the Crystal opportunities as well as bringing additional visitors workings are the most effective ways to grow the Palace Park regeneration scheme and includes the to the area.’ 3 success of South London, promote regeneration following objectives: and attract public and private sector investment. In addition, the strategy suggests local ■ Supporting the delivery of the London Plan, communities, the voluntary sector and volunteers In January 2005 the LDA launched its revised to promote sustainable growth and will play an important role in tourism and cultural economic development strategy for London – economic development developments, for example running museums and ‘Sustaining Success’. It sets out priorities for the organising festivals relying heavily on the sustainable, equitable and healthy growth and ■ Delivering an improved and effective voluntary sector. This is particularly significant to development of London’s economy to 2016. This infrastructure to support London’s future the Masterplan proposals of Crystal Palace Park strategy is taken forward and tailored to the needs growth and development; and as it includes facilities such as museums, of South London through the Economic ■ Delivering healthy, sustainable, high quality greenhouses, visitor centres and educational Development Implementation Plan. communities and urban environments. facilities that are likely to require local community The LDA Economic Development Strategy focuses or volunteer involvement. Under the Investment in Places and Infrastructure on four major investment themes: theme, Crystal Palace has been identified as one ■ Investment in places and infrastructure – to of South London’s key strategic areas. The strategy accommodate growth and ensure also suggests that LDA’s major investment into sustainable communities and enterprises in the Park and National Sports Centre along with London the City Growth Initiative would widen the effect of the regeneration and development to the ■ Investment in people – to improve surrounding communities and town centres. economic inclusion and enable all Londoners to fulfil their potential

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 23 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

3.4 Local Policy Policy G3 refers to Crystal Palace as a Major Developed Site. It lists a number of criteria that London Borough of Bromley any Masterplan proposal should adhere to, Replacement Unitary Development including: Plan (July 2006) ■ Improving the openness of the Park The LB Bromley Unitary Development Plan ■ Enhancing the visual amenities of the Park; (UDP) recognises the importance of the Park to 3 and southeast London, its value as open parkland and as a cultural, recreational and sporting asset. ■ Contributing to the achievement of objectives for the long-term regeneration of The overarching objective regarding Crystal the Park including integration with parkland Palace Park is to ‘maintain and enhance the role surroundings. of Crystal Palace Park as a principal strategic park for south-east London and to recognise its value Community Plan: Building a Better as open parkland and as an important cultural, Bromley 2007-2010 (Bromley Local recreational and sporting asset’. There is Strategic Partnership, July 2006) recognition that being located at the boundary of five boroughs its future Masterplan proposals Bromley’s Community Plan complements the should be planned with the full participation of regeneration plans for Crystal Palace Park. The the local community and neighbouring authorities. Plan states that Bromley will be an area with a wide range of leisure opportunities for residents’ The revitalisation and refurbishment of the NSC enjoyment. In addition it states that there will be is currently listed in the Schedule of Proposal Sites leisure opportunities in accessible locations and and it is proposed in the Masterplan to provide that the area will make a major contribution to for existing demand whilst also ensuring the the delivery of other key themes such as culture. integration of the NSC with the rest of the Park and enhancing the amenity value of the Park.

24 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

4. DEMAND ASSESSMENT

This section provides an initial demand assessment An assessment of demand has been undertaken The following facilities will generally require a fee of proposed facilities at Crystal Palace Park. The for the following facilities: from visitors for usage: assessment gives: ■ Concert Bowl ■ Concert Bowl ■ A description of each facility, including, ■ Treetop Walk ■ Cricket Pavilion where relevant, the existing baseline number of users of the facility ■ North Greenhouse In addition some of the facilities will provide services as part of them that will charge an ■ Details of planned events/activities, where ■ South Greenhouse entrance fee. These are: relevant ■ Crystal Palace Park Museum ■ North Greenhouse will charge for entering ■ Comparison with facilities elsewhere; and ■ Café and Dinosaur Interpretation Centre its Butterfly House if this is included as a 4 ■ An estimate of potential user and visitor service within the greenhouse. ■ Cricket Pavilion numbers to each facility following the ■ Crystal Palace Park Museum Subway multi- revitalisation of the Park by 2030. ■ Capel Manor College Farm and Lodge; and purpose space and viewing platform, which Visitor numbers are expected to fluctuate over ■ Palace Kiosks. can be used for a variety of evening uses time depending on factors such as marketing and and would be available for private and Our assessment is based on assumptions about which appeal to non-local audiences. Visitor and user corporate hire. elements of Crystal Palace Park will charge for use. numbers presented in this section are estimated The following facilities are planned to be free: ■ Dinosaur Interpretation Centre will include for a relatively steady state position – taken to some multi-purpose space that could be be the situation in the third year of operation of ■ Treetop Walk hired out in the evenings for a variety of each facility. Visitor and user numbers have been ■ North Greenhouse uses such as functions, parties and estimated mainly to inform the Crystal Palace Park community meetings. transport impact assessment that will accompany ■ South Greenhouse the Masterplan Environmental Statement ■ The three learning suites at the Museum, ■ Crystal Palace Park Museum documentation. The estimates also set parameters Dinosaur Interpretation Centre and North for regeneration benefits from the enhancement ■ Dinosaur Interpretation Centre; and Greenhouse could be hired out for small and inform estimates of visitor spend on park community events/meetings. ■ Capel Manor Farm and College & Lodge. facilities and the local area.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 25 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

The section also considers the overall potential 4.1. Concert Bowl would involve reducing the lake to a small water number of visitors to Crystal Palace Park. This strip around the stage and the area surrounding estimate, as well as considering the cumulative Introduction the bowl will be improved by being re-landscaped. impact of the above facilities, also takes into The Concert Bowl was constructed in 1961 as an account projections of demand for activities at the Planned Events outdoor arena with a temporary stage fronted by National Sports Centre, Regional Sports Centre a trademark lily lake. The venue hosted famous The LDA envisages holding a number of future and events around the Park. bands including Bob Marley, the Beach Boys, Eric events at the Concert Bowl. The LDA has provided Visitor estimates assume the following: Clapton, The Cure and Level 42. However the information on the existing and planned events temporary stage fell into disrepair and Bromley with estimated visitor numbers. The Royal ■ The revitalised Park will be easily accessible Council secured funding from the National Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is planning to run 4 by public transport and in particular the Lottery for a permanent stage. The Concert Bowl nine summer concerts (five classical) from extensions to the East London Line and was designed by Ian Ritchie Architects and opened 2007-2009 with an average attendance per event Croydon Tramlink will be implemented to in 1997 (costing approximately £10 million). The of around 15,000. ‘The Bowl Festival’ is a free their current programmes. bowl has capacity for 15,000-18,000 visitors and festival of music organised by ‘Sounds of the ■ New facilities will be appropriately has won several architectural awards. Suburbs’ for South London bands, along with craft. marketed, with a launch for each facility This event is expected to draw crowds of up to In recent years there have been significantly lower when it opens; and 1,500 each day for two days. numbers of visitors to the Concert Bowl. The ■ The facilities will receive on-going structure is currently poorly suited to host modern The LDA are proposing to hold a number of other investment to ensure that they are kept events and has a number of shortcomings. For events at the Concert Bowl. These include: fresh and interesting. example, the personal address system does not ■ Crystal Palace Spectacular, which is a family work, the speaker towers are in poor condition Actual visitor numbers could be higher and festival/concert expecting 3,000 visitors for and the platform needs a temporary rigging variables include the strength and success of the one day structure to provide lighting. management, packaging and marketing. Such ■ Sevenoaks District Motor Club expect a factors will depend upon the specific It is recognised there is a need for the crowd of 1,000 for a day; and implementation team, their ideas and actions. rejuvenation of the Concert Bowl in order to provide an improved facility for outdoor concerts ■ A cycling event taking place between April and events. The aim is to bring it back to what and August that would last for 18 days and it was constructed for by rearranging it as a is expected to attract 200 people each day. multifunctional stage. The work to be undertaken

26 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Table 4.1 Concert Bowl Visitor Number Estimates Source: London Development Agency (2007)

Concert Bowl Events Type of Event 2006 Baseline no. Visitor Numbers Month The Bowl Festival Community N/a 3,000 July

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Concert Series Commercial N/a 135,000 August

Seven Oaks District Motor Club Not for Profit N/a 1,000 Summer

Crystal Palace Spectacular - family festival/concert Community N/a 3,000 Summer

Cycling Not for Profit N/a 3,600 April and then every Tuesday evening until end of August 4 Total 0 145,600

This information is summarised above in Table 4.1. The RPO used the natural bowl (before the platform has a large events arena with The LDA anticipates a total number of visitors to was built) at Crystal Palace Park as a venue for capacity varying according to layout. The events events at the Concert Bowl of around 145,600 several summer concerts between 1990-1994 with arena has indoor facilities that cater for 1,000 - per annum following the Park’s enhancement. attendances of approximately 6,500 people per 2,000 visitors per event and outdoor facilities that concert5. cater for between 6,000 - 30,000 visitors per The anticipated visitor numbers to each event will concert. be dependent on the Concert Bowl and the area The grounds at , North West around it being made more appealing to the public London, have held a series of summer concerts through the regeneration works. 1996-2006 at a capacity of 8,000 people6. The concerts at Kenwood include a range of classic Comparisons and contemporary music and past performers have included Kiri de Kanawa, Simply Red and Katie 5. Application for Arts Council Funding by London Borough of To help assess whether the LDA’s forecast visitor Bromley Melua. Tickets are generally sold for £15-30 with numbers are realistic we consider past visitor 6. In 2006 English Heritage and IMG Entertainment applied for corporate packages up to £200. On average, a license to increase their capacity from 8,000 to 10,000. numbers to events at Crystal Palace Park and However, the London Borough of Camden rejected the around 60,000 people attended the 10 summer visitors to other venues. application and stipulated a reduction in the number of concerts concerts series at Kenwood House. from 10 to 8 in response to objections to the levels of noise. This decision made the summer programme of concerts economically unfeasible. See ‘Independent Facilitator’s Draft Report 16th May 2007 Public Meeting’ for further information.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 27 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Finsbury Park has historically played host to a would suggest that 15,000 is an upper parameter of scientists, conservation advocates, canopy number of events with the first open air performance of estimates and that 7,000 people per concert (based educators and environment professionals. The of the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1946. on historical precedence and Kenwood House) organisation has been in operation since 1995 and Recent years have seen various commercial represents a lower parameter. This works out to a has held events at the Eden Project in Cornwall such events7 attracting audiences of up to 30,000. In range of visitors to the Concert Bowl of 80,000- as ‘Exploring Life on a Different Level’ (2004). December 2002 a report to the Council’s Executive 145,000 assuming the LDA’s estimated numbers of Greenheart Conservation Company Ltd is a specialist stated the Council approved the use of visitors to other events are correct. This is a fairly in the constructions of canopy walkways. Greenheart for five commercial events/concerts with attendance liberal assessment of total numbers as it is possible have experience across the world at constructing limited to a maximum of 40,000 within the footprint RPO events are not as successful as Kenwood or the walkways in national parks such as Ranomafana of the events area. Analysis of the benefits of major historic events at Crystal Palace Park and other National Park in Madagascar (a length of 300m) and 4 events showed that they contributed 40% of the attractions may not be as successful as the LDA have also worked in Peru, Madagascar, Nigeria, Park’s grounds maintenance budget. estimates. Information is provided below in Table 4.2. Canada, Ghana, Brazil and Guyana. In the UK Greenheart has consulted with the Northmoor Trust Assessment 4.2. Treetop Walk in (one of the UK’s leading woodland research The application by English Heritage and IMG organisations) regarding a potential 350m-walkway Entertainment for increased capacity at Kenwood Introduction facility in woodland owned by the Trust at Little House to 10,000 people suggests that there was Whittenham Nature Reserve. The facility was The Crystal Palace Park Masterplan proposals aim the potential to attract more than the average of planned to be a revenue generator but unfortunately to improve the view across the English Landscape 6,000 people per concert. Nevertheless, the average the project never progressed past the scoping stage. area of the Park by reconnecting it to the Terraces of 6,000 people is very similar to the historical and to Rockhills with a Treetop Walk. The walkway Greenheart are currently working with the Eden average at Crystal Palace Park between 1990 and would be approximately 405 metres long and 2.40 Project to develop a walkway (length of 350m) 1994 of approximately 6,500 people per concert. metres wide, with a maximum capacity of 100 to allow people to access the treetops inside the The LDA’s visitor estimates for Concert Bowl people at any given time8. Humid Tropics Biome and Trees for Cities to explore anticipate that nine music events over the summer possibilities of a walkway in London. will attract an average of 15,000 people to each. A Comparisons number of factors will affect the popularity of the Treetops walkways are growing in popularity across venue, such as the quality of the facility, the weather, 7 Finsbury Park is a unique situation and the events held there the world and in the UK. They are often called canopy are far larger than any park in the borough (Finsbury park popularity of music acts, intensity of events walkways. The International Canopy Network is a Management Plan 2007-11 programme and marketing strategy. However, we 8 As estimated in the preliminary design stages by Latz & Partners not-for-profit organisation supported by a community

28 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Salcey Forest Treetops Walk in Northamptonshire Moors Valley Country Park in East Dorset has a destinations, nor is the planned route as big an has been in operation since December 2005. The treetops walk facility that is 200 metres long and attraction as walking through the canopy of ancient walkway is 270 metres long and reaches 20 metres five metres high. The facility is estimated to attract woodland or rainforest. at its highest point through the ancient woodland 50% of the park’s visitors, amounting to 350,000 On the other side of the demand consideration, other of the forest. It was designed by Forestry visitors per year to the treetops walk. destinations are usually revenue generators with Commission’s Forestry Civil Engineering team and entrance fees. The facility at Crystal Palace Park will cost approximately £750,000 to build. The Assessment be free which is likely to increase its attractiveness. facility has been successful and is a significant The above comparisons suggest that treetop The time of year will impact on visitor numbers with attractor of visitors to the forest. On average the walkways are an increasingly popular attraction, the summer months likely to see a much larger Salcey Forest Treetops Walk attracts 200,000 but it is difficult to draw any firm conclusions from proportion of visitors than winter months. (The visitors per year to the treetops walk. 4 the case studies, as each example is unique in operating costs of the facility may prove to be had a temporary treetop walk structure its location, canopy, design and integration with unsustainable in the winter months and should be for several years up until 2006, which attracted wider facilities. The Treetop Walk at Crystal Palace closely monitored once opened to the public). approximately 20% of the Park’s visitors amounting Park is neither as fundamental to the visitor Events in the immediate vicinity, such as on the to circa 400,000 per year. There are plans to erect experience as treetop walkways at Salcey Forest, Terraces and in the Concert Bowl are likely to draw a permanent treetops walk during 2008. Moors Valley in the UK and other international linked trips to the facility. Peak usage is likely to be during the large summer events at the Concert Bowl.

It is difficult to estimate the precise number of Table 4.2 Concert Bowl Visitor Number Estimates for Third Year of Operation visitors to the facility due to the variability in the Steady state design, location and cost of comparator facilities. Concert Bowl 2006 Baseline no. visitor numbers Based on the research here we estimate that the number of visitors to the facility will be between N/a 80,000 - 145,000 130,000 and 250,000 people per annum. This is Table 4.3 Treetop Walk Visitor Number Estimates for Third Year of Operation assumed to largely be comprised of tourists and day-trippers to Crystal Palace Park. In the opening Steady state two years there is expected to be considerable Treetop Walk 2006 Baseline no. visitor numbers novelty interest from the local population that will Total N/a 130,000-250,000 temporarily inflate the number of visitors. Steady

Source: URS (2007) state numbers are provided below in Table 4.3.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 29 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

4.3. North Greenhouse and South complementary interpretive experiences relating The North Greenhouse is also proposed to Greenhouse to exploration of nature and understanding of incorporate a learning centre that would be used ecology. These will encourage adults and children by local schools for educational purposes. The Introduction to work and play together, and equip them with learning centre is designed to hold up to 30 children skills so that they can then go and explore nature and staff would provide lectures and information The greenhouse buildings proposed in the Crystal independently around the Park and elsewhere. The about the facility. The learning facility is linked with Palace Park Masterplan are intended to provide experiences may include: the other learning centres within the Park – the populated and animated entrances to the Park and museum and dinosaur interpretation facility. to enhance ecology by providing greenery, ■ An outdoor, hands-on, interactive nature through green walls, trellises, climbing plants and focused exhibition in the landscape, making Comparisons 4 habitats for animals. use of strategically assembled fallen wood to create installations with a variety of The Palm House (glasshouse) in Sefton Park, The proposed South Greenhouse will be designed learning opportunities from examining Liverpool, the glasshouses in Belfast Botanical to provide ideal growing conditions for subtropical insect life, to gathering circles for Gardens and Barrow Park in Cumbria are (Mediterranean) plants. The facility will also contain storytelling and pond-dipping area examples where the number of visitors to parks a restaurant-café. The ground floor area for the is primarily driven by a glasshouse facility. whole facility will be 1,862m2 with the greenhouse ■ Woodland Interpretation Centre with enclosure comprising 900m2. learning suite within the North Greenhouse, Approximately 100,000 people visit the glasshouse alone possibly also housing a butterfly pod. There at Sefton Park every year, which varies from 6,000 per The plans for the North Greenhouse are similar have been initial discussions between the month during the winter to around 9,000 per month in design and include a tropical garden, plant London Butterfly House and LDA about during the summer. The glasshouse is 700m2 and has nursery, possible butterfly pod, an education suite, relocating to Crystal Palace Park and there capacity for 400 people at one time. At Belfast Botanical visitors shop and a café/snacks facility. Situated is potential to continue these discussions if Gardens of the 70,000 visitors per annum approximately in the Rockhills area, the greenhouse would act the concept of a butterfly pod is taken 70% visit the glasshouse. Similarly, for Barrow Park as an element of the gateway to the Park, forward. in Cumbria 60% to 70% of the visitors to the park providing a display of exotic plants and a warm also visit the glasshouse9. These figures and sheltered facility. The ground floor area for the ■ A tree-top walkway with interpretation on percentages are not necessarily directly comparable whole facility will be 3,155m2. the way; and to Crystal Palace Park as the glasshouses in the examples The North Greenhouse is proposed to be part of ■ A nature themed play area which echoes are the predominant features within the respective parks. the Woodland Nature Interpretation Zone of the the Interpretive nature trail on a smaller Park. This would contain a selection of scale for younger children 9 The glasshouse within Barrow Park is approximately 100m2.

30 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

The London Butterfly House provides an example The restaurant/café proposed as part of the South immediate vicinity such as Norwood Park (Croydon), of an organisation which could relocate to the North Greenhouse should encourage greater use of the with its ornamental gardens, the formal gardens Greenhouse, has operated from Syon Park, facility and generate income to support operations. with water features in in since 1981 and comprises a Tropical Lewisham and ’s winter gardens with The comparator greenhouses are generally the main Butterfly Garden and a Tropical mini-beasts gallery. ornamental and ecological areas in Lambeth. attraction for their respective parks. In contrast the The former is a walk-through environment LDA’s Masterplan proposals for Crystal Palace Park We estimate visitor projections to both facilities populated with a large number of butterflies. It include a range of other facilities, such as the to be 150,000-200,000 per annum, which are is landscaped and supplemented by many other dinosaur interpretation centre, new Museum, provided in Table 4.4 below. These are relatively fauna, tropical planting and water features to make Concert Bowl and treetop walk, all of which would high estimates for visitor numbers compared to it as natural an environment as possible. The mini- attract more visitors into the Park and could our examples of similar facilities elsewhere. beasts gallery is a smaller exhibit of captivity-bred 4 indirectly increase the demand for the greenhouse However Crystal Palace Park will be attracting creatures of tropical origin, with each species in facilities or disperse the demand to other facilities. larger numbers of visitors than the other parks. its purpose designed display case. The London In addition, the proposed transport improvements Butterfly House is open all year round and the With the exception of the world-renowned Kew should increase the catchment population of tropical experience visits tend to be seasonally Gardens there are no glasshouses or greenhouses Crystal Palace Park and the number of visitors to weighted towards the warmer weather periods with close to Crystal Palace Park, which we anticipate the greenhouse facilities. Given the connection additional peaks at school or national holiday would significantly impinge on the demand for the between the two facilities we have assumed visitors periods. Visitors typically spend between 1 to 1.5 proposed attractions. Nevertheless, the demand to the North Greenhouse are also likely to visit hours visiting the London Butterfly House. The for the greenhouses in Crystal Palace Park could the South Greenhouse. London Butterfly House forecasted total visitors be affected by some of the other parks in the reaching some 73,000 by 2011 if they were to relocate to Crystal Palace Park.

Assessment Table 4.4 North Greenhouse and South Greenhouse Visitor Number Estimates for Third Year of Operation Steady state The greenhouse facilities would attract both people Treetop Walk 2006 Baseline no. visitor numbers from the surrounding neighbourhoods and individuals from a wider catchment area. The strategic placement North Greenhouse N/a 150,000 – 200,000 of the buildings at the gateway to the Park and near South Greenhouse N/a 150,000 – 200,000 the terraces also enhances their accessibility and prominence subsequently influencing their demand. Source: URS (2007)

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 31 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

4.4. Crystal Palace Park Museum trains; and localised cone speakers playing extensive library and archive, together with recordings of original visitors' experiences of coming educational facilities, a shop and a restaurant. Introduction to the Palace in their 'own' voice - for example The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill in South excerpts from letters, diaries, and autobiographies. The original Museum in Crystal Palace Park is the London has 280,000 visitors every year and is a only remaining building from the old Crystal Palace. The subway element of the museum is high profile unique London attraction. The It is overgrown with vegetation in parts and approximately 550m2 and could fit approximately museum also includes two multi-functional self- requires maintenance to the fabric as well as the 200 people. The facility could also be used for contained education spaces (each about 68m2) grounds that surround it. The Masterplan provides private and corporate hire and for small that are used for a number of activities such as for the museum to be relocated to become part performance events, such as live music. education, presentations, workshops and seminars. of a new complex close to the original Palace site. The Horniman Museum is free to enter although 4 The Crystal Palace museum is intended to offer a The facility is intended to include: total income including grants was £3.8million in unique historical experience for visitors with the 2004. The Horniman is of a much larger scale than ■ An information and assistance point added enhancement of the subway experience and the proposed subway facility at Crystal Palace Park the viewing platform which is planned to provide ■ Three distinct galleries but provides an upper parameter of demand. the only 360 degree view available in the area – ■ Café/bistro seeing across the whole of London. The viewing Assessment platform that would fit approximately 100 people ■ Viewing platform; and could also be used for private and corporate hire. Although the facility has a large number of ■ Learning suite for formal and informal potential competitors the Crystal Palace Park education for all ages. Comparisons Museum offers a unique attraction to its visitors. As with the Docklands Museum, the subway An additional part of the new Museum complex Museum case studies were considered to establish element to the museum will provide its visitors would be the original subway. The subway is linked benchmarks for the new Museum complex. For with a story of the area and will include into this facility in order to preserve one of the example, the Docklands Museum that is over additional attractions such as the subway most precious historic assets of Crystal Palace Park. 10,000m2 estimated it had approximately 100,000 experience and the viewing platform area that The subway will be interpreted through an visitors in 2005/06. Similar to the Crystal Palace should boost demand for the facility. audiovisual immersive experience intended to bring Park Museum, the Docklands Museum looks to the Victorian experience to life. Using the subway tell a story about the history of an area – in its The Crystal Palace Park Museum is intended to be as an artifact in itself, the experience will case in terms of London’s river, port and people, one element of the different experiences within comprise projections of Victorian people; the use from Roman times to its recent regeneration. the Park, rather than a principal attraction in its of smoke machines to represent the arrival of steam Besides its main galleries, the museum has an own right. We estimate the number of new Museum

32 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

visitors will be between 100,000-175,000 per 4.5. Dinosaur Interpretation be used as an extension of the café or as a function annum. These estimates are relatively high Facilities area. The aim therefore is for a new purpose-built compared to the Docklands example. However, the facility that incorporates learning and interpretation LDA’s Masterplan proposals for Crystal Palace Park Introduction within an exhibition that acts as a gateway to the includes a range of other facilities such as the existing dinosaur area. The total size of the whole The dinosaur interpretation facilities, located in the dinosaur interpretation centre and greenhouse facility is expected to be approximately 1,050m2. Penge Gateway area of the Park, are being designed facilities, which would attract more visitors into to create a 21st century park using Paxton’s idea In addition the facility would have a number of the Park and could indirectly increase the demand of ‘Past Present Future’ as a showcase covering other special features including: for the museum. Our visitor estimates per annum the prehistoric and cutting edge park design are lower than the number that visit the ■ A pavilion that provides access to the lake management and maintenance. The facility is aimed Horniman Museum, which should be expected given and planted roof and views into tree 4 at strengthening the historic character and the high profile of the latter facility. canopies landscape of one of the gateways to the Park. The majority of visitors will visit the new ■ Iconic bat/bird towers that provide habitats The Penge Café will also be housed within this new Museum during the daytime. In the evenings the and act as landmarks to provide orientation built facility along with a souvenir shop and an subway and viewing platform areas will be used from a distance education suite for formal and informal education for corporate and private events. We estimate that for all ages. The LDA hope to develop it as an ■ Boat hire approximately 15,000 visitors per annum will use educational hub of Crystal Palace Park. The facility these facilities in the evening. This information ■ A sky view tower; and would house a multi-functional learning space for is included in the 100,000-175,000 estimate and approximately 30 students10. This learning area links ■ A tree house platform/bridge as part of a is summarised in Table 4.5 below. with the learning spaces at the North Greenhouse family of wooden towers. and Crystal Palace Park Museum. The multi- functional space, approximately 200m2 can also

Table 4.5 Museum Visitor Number Estimates for Third Year of Operation Steady state Treetop Walk 2006 Baseline no. visitor numbers 10 Laura Samuels (LDA) collected research on students accessing the existing dinosaur interpretation facilities. This research Crystal Palace Park Museum N/a 100,000 – 175,000 informed the amount of space required for the learning areas in Source: URS (2007) the dinosaur interpretation centre, museum and north greenhouse.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 33 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

The dinosaur interpretation facility is perhaps the 120,000 visitors in three months in Tel Aviv, Israel Assessment most unique feature of Crystal Palace Park. in 2001 and a record breaking second dinosaur There is limited information available on visitor Although the representation of prehistoric exhibition in Copenhagen, Denmark that attracted numbers to dinosaur interpretation facilities. The creatures may not be completely based on today’s 245,000 visitors in its first five months in 2002. Natural History Museum examples above suggest knowledge and understanding of the era, the The Myths and Monsters exhibition combined dinosaur exhibitions are a popular attraction. facility is aimed at providing more of an insight animatronics models and replica specimens to However the Crystal Palace Park dinosaur into people’s early understanding and explore the stories behind the myths and their interpretation facilities will be of significantly lower representation of the dinosaurs, which adds value possible origins in the modern world. The scale in comparison. The Penge Café should to the entire experience it has to offer. exhibition opened at the Natural History Museum provide an additional incentive for people to visit in 1998 where it attracted a record-breaking the interpretation facilities. 4 Comparisons 12,000 visitors in a single day. Since then it has We estimate the number of visitors to the dinosaur The Natural History Museum has held a number travelled throughout the UK, Sweden, Norway and interpretation facilities to be between 100,000- of dinosaur/animal exhibitions in the UK and across the Netherlands, gaining consistently high visitor 175,000 per annum. We have based our Europe that can be offered as comparators, albeit numbers including 115,000 over five months in estimates of visitor numbers using the Crystal on a different scale, to the dinosaur interpretation Stockholm. Palace Park Museum as a direct comparator as facilities in Crystal Palace Park. The Predators exhibition explored the dynamics the facility is likely to attract the same type of Dino-Birds: The Feathered Dinosaurs of China ran between predator and prey through animatronics visitor. at the Natural History Museum from July 2002 models, competitive interactive displays and real The majority of visitors will visit the interpretation to May 2003. Publicity was positive with coverage specimens. The exhibition opened at the Natural centre facilities during the daytime. In the evenings in all the major national newspapers, BBC History Museum in 2001 where it attracted strong the multi-purpose space will be used for corporate television and Cable TV. Following its success at press and television coverage and pulled in over and private events. We estimate that the museum the Dino-Birds exhibition toured 570,000 visitors before its close in 2002. The approximately 8,000 visitors per annum will use across Europe. exhibition opened in 2002 in Granada, Spain for the facility in the evening. This information is seven months before moving onto the Manchester In 1992 the Natural History Museum held its first included in the 100,000-175,000 estimate and is Museum of Science & Industry. robotic dinosaur exhibition – Carnivores. Over the summarised in Table 4.6 below. years the consistently high visitor figures for dinosaur exhibitions demonstrate it is a highly successful theme. Visitor figures across Europe include 320,000 visitors in Paris, France in 1999,

34 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

4.6. Cricket Pavilion Assessment are used to play football. During April the pitches Letting the green space to both cricket and football receive remedial treatment to ensure they meet the teams is an opportunity that should be considered Introduction standards required for playing cricket. given it will provide a steady flow of Park income throughout the year. This would involve letting One of the main proposals is in the Sydenham Gate The Regents Park Hub provides a good example the space during the summer season for cricket area of the Park in and around the cricket ground. of a multi-use facility, which is used by community usage and for the rest of the year to football teams. The cricket ground has historical significance given and voluntary groups and the private sector for There would need to be some time to allow for it is where Victorian cricketing legend W.G. Grace meetings, parties and functions. The Regents Park the pitch to remediate ensuring it meets the managed the London County Cricket team. meeting rooms are approximately 75m2. The Hub necessary standards for club cricket matches. It also charges for usage of its changing room The Crystal Palace Park Masterplan proposals aim should be noted that higher profile cricket clubs facilities. to improve the quality of the cricket area so that would be reluctant to play on an outfield that has 4 it can be used for cricket, other sports and as a been used for other sports. Assessment new children’s play area. Sydenham Gate’s Sports There are a number of potential opportunities for Pavilion has been put forward as an option to make The LDA’s community consultation exercise in use of the cricket pitch and pavilion. One option the cricket area a strong point in the Park and December 2005 highlighted a demand for a good is to rent the pitch and pavilion to a local cricket to create a more prominent entrance to the quality cricket pitch within the Park that could be club to use for both matches and club functions. Sydenham Gateway. The pavilion would comprise used by the community. The research found 61% This would provide a steady source of income to a multi-purpose facility, approximately 56m2 with of consultees were strongly supportive of the maintain the cricket pitch and outfield. However public changing facilities and would also include proposals around the cricket pitch. In addition it this would restrict the use of the space for the a viewing deck. This could be hired out as a was anticipated the playing space could be also local community as the area would be exclusive meeting space to be used by the local community used for other sports such as football. for cricket club members. and local businesses.

Comparisons

The usage of multi-sports areas in Regents Park Table 4.6 Dinosaur Interpretation Centre Number Estimates for Third Year of Operation provides some potentially useful parallels with Crystal Steady state Palace Park. Between May and August Regents Park Treetop Walk 2006 Baseline no. visitor numbers has a number of pitches that are used to play cricket and are rented by club teams to play league Dinosaur Interpretation Centre N/a 100,000 – 175,000 matches. From September to March these pitches Source: URS (2007)

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 35 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

An alternative and probably more reasonable Users of the cricket pavilion for events, functions The lower range assumes that football teams will option would be to rent the pitch out to club cricket and meetings will generally be local and are most not be allowed on the cricket outfield during the teams for usage on match days. There is a demand likely to be community and voluntary groups and winter while the upper range assumes the outfield for cricket pitches in the bordering boroughs, as the private sector. Some of the cricket clubs that will be used throughout the year by cricket and there is limited space to play. There are a number use the pitch and accompanying facilities may be football teams. The visitor figures assume there of cricket clubs, such as Bromley Cricket Club, from a wider catchment area although this will have will be three to four football/cricket matches played and they regularly require venues to play a minimal impact on the overall number of visitors per week and they will be using the facilities in matches. This would restrict the usage of the open to the Park. The cricket and football matches are the cricket pavilion. space to just cricket players during the weekends unlikely to attract many people to watch the games, We have also assumed the cricket pavilion will given this is when the matches tend to be played. as is generally the case at this level. be used for up to three times per week for 4 In addition it is likely that during the week there Based on the research here we estimate the functions and meetings. may be restrictions on usage of the cricket outfield number of users of the cricket pavilion to be 8,000 for certain activities, for example playing football – 10,000 per annum, which is summarised in Table would have to be prohibited. 4.7 Capel Manor Farm and College 4.7 below. & Lodge

Introduction

After battling against financial and operational difficulties the Crystal Palace Park farm was forced Table 4.7 Cricket Pavilion Visitor Number Estimates to close in 2000. The farm is now set to return Steady state to the Park with the aid of a capital and revenue Treetop Walk 2006 Baseline no. visitor numbers grant from the London Development Agency of around £160,000 over two years. The re-opening Cricket Pavilion N/a 8,000 - 10,000 of the farm is part of the ongoing rejuvenation of Crystal Palace Park and will contribute to its overall Table 4.8 Farm and College & Lodge Visitor Number Estimates vitality. It is expected that the farm will reopen Steady state in January 2008, run by Capel Manor, and will be Treetop Walk 2006 Baseline no. visitor numbers open to the public and school parties 300 days Capel Manor Farm/College & Lodge N/a 12,000 – 15,000 per year. Funding support will ensure the burnt

Source: URS (2007) out and derelict site is re-built and restocked with

36 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

a range of animals from guinea pigs to Shetland 25 students undertaking training courses in the Jubilee Although there will be a number of school visits ponies as well as facilities for snakes and lizards. Stand of the athletics stadium. Capel Manor has to the farm the majority of visitors are likely to estimated this figure will rise to 300 by 2014/15. be families. Therefore visitor numbers are likely Capel Manor is a specialist training college in animal to be highest during school holidays and weekends. husbandry and horticulture that will manage the Comparisons farm. Capel Manor will also be offering an in-house In the absence of viewing details of the Capel training service to local schools, which will be free in , London has a Manor Business Plan for the farm and College and of charge. wide range of animals for children to handle and Lodge we take the number of visitors to the groom. The farm also aims to provide a better facilities to be 12,000 – 15,000 per annum. This Proposed Courses and Forecasts quality of animal life. It estimates it has around information is provided in Table 4.8 above. 12,000 visitors a year. These figures vary with Capel Manor College is currently providing training 4 significantly large numbers of visitors during courses for students aged over 16 in a small suite 4.8. Palace Kiosks holiday periods compared to during term-time. of rooms in the Jubilee Stadium. Courses offered include horticulture, landscaping, floristry, flower Introduction Assessment arranging and animal care. As part of their course A number of kiosks of various sizes are part of students also undertake work experience on the The LDA’s community consultation work in the Masterplan proposals and these would farm. Future plans are for the training courses to December 2005 found that consultees were keen operate within a specified zone on the Palace be delivered from a separate new build facility. The on bringing back the farm and its animals. Local Terrace and adjacent to the proposed new Museum Capel Manor College Lodge will provide a range of support was a major driving force behind the re- site. These kiosks will provide a service for users training courses and also accommodation for opening of the farm. The local community had of the Park particularly those visiting the Concert students in the Anerley Edge area of the Park. missed the presence of the farm and of animals Bowl and the visitors to events around the Palace in Crystal Palace Park. In addition the educational Capel Manor has provided information on future visitor Site and the Terraces. The kiosks would be benefits to school children and young people to numbers to the farm and the College Lodge. They permanent facilities and could potentially provide be gained were the major reasons for the re- have based projections on some of their other refreshments, an information point, ticket booths, introduction of the farm and the proposals for the initiatives, such as in Regents Park and Gunnersbury medical facilities and newspapers. The kiosk College and Lodge. Park, and on discussions with the Federation of City designs are based on the kiosk facilities at Regent's Farms. During the first year of opening (2007-08), Initially the majority of students at the College Park, which are simple wooden circular structures Capel Manor has estimated there will be 15,000 are likely to be local but over time, according to that can be closed during the winter. visitors per annum to the farm. This figure will include Capel Manor, the College is likely to be enrolling 3,000 visits by students of all ages. There are currently students from a wider catchment area.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 37 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Table 4.9 National Sports Centre Current Visitor/User Number Estimates per Year

Assessment Location Maximum number within Crystal of anticipated Usual month or The demand for these facilities will be affected Event Palace Park visitors season of the year by the amount of users of the events around the Palace Site and Terraces. Visitors to the Concert Regular Use Bowl would also access the kiosk facilities. Diving NSC 22,000 All year round

Outdoor pitches NSC 23,000 All year round 4.9 Other Crystal Palace Park Visitors/Users Fitness NSC 28,000 All year round Pre-paid fitness members NSC 34,000 All year round 4 The LDA has provided URS with data for user and visitor numbers to the National Sports Centre (NSC), Other indoor sports NSC 55,000 All year round Regional Sports Centre (RSC) and Events in the Park. These figures are used as an input to estimate the Swimming NSC 112,000 All year round 11 overall number of visitors to Crystal Palace Park . Sub Total 274,000

The LDA proposes to retain the NSC, not as a Event use multi-use sports centre, for it does not meet modern day standards and is no longer fit for Pools NSC 15,000 All year round purpose, but for dry sports, such as five-a-side Stadium Athletics Stadium 88,000 All year round football. It would be converted to this specification. The intention is that the RSC would be built after Arena NSC 91,000 All year round the 2012 Olympic and . The RSC Sub Total 194,000 would house facilities for wet sports, athletics, and a health and fitness zone. Cumulative Total 468,000

Source: London Development Agency (2007)

11 URS have not been commissioned to independently research visitor numbers to the NSC and RSC and events in the Park. This section just presents data provided by the LDA.

38 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

More detailed information on projected visitor will make the Park more accessible to a wider Proposed Facilities numbers to the NSC and RSC is to be provided population16. The results of our analysis in sections 4.1 to 4.10 by the LDA. Data presented in Table 4.9 is from This section provides projections for overall visitor are presented in Table 4.11 below. This shows the LDA and we believe represents their estimate numbers to Crystal Palace Park following its estimated visitor numbers to each facility. of current visitor numbers to the existing NSC. Masterplan proposals. The projections are generated The total number of regular users of the NSC from: 14. This figure was taken from the 2001 Census. facilities is estimated to be 274,000 per annum 15. The 10 wards are Crystal Palace, Forest Hill, Perry Vale, while the total number of visitors to events at the ■ Proposed facilities within the Park Sydenham, Penge, Cator, Clock House, South Norwood, Upper Norwood, Gipsy Hill and College. NSC is estimated to be 194,000 visitors. The total ■ Benchmarking with other parks; and 16 Steer Davies Gleave is researching the impact of the proposed number of visitors and users is projected to be transport improvements on CPP visitor numbers. According to the 468,000 per annum. ■ Data on Crystal Palace Park usage. 2001 Census there is a population of 1.69 million within a 30 4 minute drive time of the Park.

4.10 Overall Visitor Projections Table 4.11 Visitor Estimates Per Annum Crystal Palace Park

Introduction Baseline Visitor Future Visitor The Masterplan proposals for Crystal Palace Park Attraction Numbers Numbers are anticipated to have a major impact on the total Concert Bowl 0 80,000 - 145,000 number of visitors to the location. The upgrading Treetop Walk n/a 130,000 - 250,000 of the landscape and new facilities will encourage Dinosaur Interpretation Facility/Penge Café n/a 100,000 - 175,000 a greater number of people from both the local Crystal Palace Park Museum n/a 100,000- 175,000 and wider areas to visit the Park. The revitalised North Greenhouse n/a 150,000 - 200,000 Park is likely to draw in a greater proportion than before of the 110,00014 population that make up South Greenhouse n/a 150,000 - 200,000 the ten15 wards within one mile of the Crystal Farm/College and Lodge n/a 12,000 - 15,000 Palace Park site. In addition, there is expected Cricket Pavilion n/a 8,000 - 10,000 to be significantly more visitors to the Park coming NSC and RSC regular users 274,000 274,000 from a wider catchment area. For example the NSC and RSC events (inc. concerts) 194,000 374,000 proposed public transport improvements for Crystal Other events 20,000 118,000 Palace, such as the East London Line extension, Source: URS and LDA

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 39 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Comparator Parks Other parks also illustrate benefits of investment. Existing Total Crystal Palace Park Mile End Park is located in the London Borough Visitor Numbers The HLF has provided funds to upgrade several of Tower Hamlets. It is a linear park of some 36 parks across the region and they have We have looked at existing research to establish hectares and was created on land, originally subsequently undertaken surveys into audience overall visitor numbers to Crystal Palace Park. The industrial and residential, devastated by World War development at each park to evaluate the success work undertaken by Steer Davies Gleave (SDG) II bombing. The park received £21million for an of the funding. HLF looked at before and after data in December 2006 and July 2007 involved extensive development in the late 1990s. It offers on visitor numbers for each funded project. undertaking a survey of Park users to determine a range of facilities including a new leisure facility Findings17 suggest funding has a major impact a baseline figure for users of Crystal Palace Park22. and sporting venue with an international standard on the number of visitors to parks. This is backed stadium. Although we are not aware of any Table 4.12 below presents the total estimated up by two examples of parks that received HLF. 4 systematic surveys the parks officer estimated that figures for general visits to the Park based on Battersea Park is an 80 hectare green space the upgrade to Mile End Park had increased overall extrapolation of the winter and summer data. This situated in Wandsworth. The park is home to three visitor numbers by 50%18. shows there are estimated to be 1.68 million Victorian gardens, a small zoo, a boating lake, a general visitors per annum to the Park, excluding Kew Gardens is a 124-hectare park comprising bandstand and several all-weather outdoor visits for special events. of extensive gardens and botanical glasshouses. sporting facilities including courts, a running The park is also a leading centre of botanical track and football pitches. Battersea received research, a training ground for professional £7.5million HLF between 2002-04. In the 12 gardeners and a visitor attraction. In 2005/06, months before they received HLF monies they had Kew Gardens had over 1.9 million visitors and 3,000,000 visitors. In the last 12 months it was generated income of £44.35million19. estimated Battersea Park had visitor numbers of

5,000,000. This is an increase of 67%. According to accounting exercises undertaken in 17. Heritage Lottery Fund provided visitor number data. 199520, Regent's Park and Hyde Park each received 18. London Borough Tower Hamlet Park Unit. St Georges Gardens, a former burial ground in approximately five million visitors per annum and 19. Kew Gardens Corporate Plan 2007 the London Borough of Camden, received 20. Similar accounting exercises are currently being undertaken these figures are likely to have increased since. £285,000 to restore the fabric of the park, relay for these parks and the findings are likely to be available in late autumn 2007. paths, re-create the Braille garden and repair Finsbury Park is a 46-hectare park that caters for 21. Finsbury Park Management Plan 2007-11, Haringey Council tombs and monuments. Prior to the HLF visitor concerts, track and gym and general leisure. It Environmental Services, 2007. numbers were 10,000 per annum. Over the last was estimated that the park has 1.25 million 22. Please refer to Crystal Palace Park Baseline Access Report (Steer Davies Gleave, 2007) for a detailed explanation of the 21 12 months visitor numbers were estimated at annual visitors . assumptions taken to generate annual visitor numbers for CPP. 36,500 – an increase of over 200%.

40 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Table 4.12 Annualised Visitor Figures from Total Projected Visitors Facilities most likely to have linked trips are: SDG Survey URS have considered two different approaches for ■ Treetop Walk establishing total numbers of projected visitors ■ North Greenhouse Season Annual Total Percentage to Crystal Palace Park. The first approach draws Summer 1,099,000 65% on the visitor estimates for proposed facilities ■ South Greenhouse Winter 579,000 35% within the Park and combines this with estimates ■ Dinosaur Interpretation Facility; and Annual Total 1,680,000 100% of general visitor numbers. The second approach uses comparator parks to estimate a percentage ■ Crystal Palace Park Museum Source: URS and LDA increase in the baseline number of visitors to We have assumed that the sum of individual visitor Crystal Palace Park. estimates to these facilities should be reduced by 4 The first approach estimates the change in future 50% to reflect linked trips. The following points should be noted: Crystal Palace Park visitor numbers arising as a Facilities with a more modest likelihood of having ■ Both surveys were carried out on a typical consequence of the proposed facilities within the linked trips are: weekday and on a typical weekend day, Park. It is not appropriate to sum our estimates counting the number of entries and exits to of visitor numbers to all the new and upgraded ■ Events in the Park; and and from the Park via several entrances. facilities as there will be an element of visitor ■ Capel Manor Farm and College Lodge. duplication, as some visitors will access more than ■ The year has been split into a six month one of the facilities per trip. For example given People going to these events/facilities are assumed 'winter' period and a six-month 'summer' their proximity and similarity to each other visitors to generally being going for a specific purpose and period. Without data from Crystal Palace or to the North Greenhouse are also likely to visit so are less likely to link trips. We assume that the other parks on change patterns in park the South Greenhouse. It is difficult to be definitive sum of individual visitor estimates to these facilities usage between different seasons it is about the degree of linked trips but what appears should be reduced by 25% to reflect linked trips. difficult to be more precise than this. a reasonable assumption is that some facilities Facilities unlikely to have linked trips are: ■ SDG research found that people used the are more likely to have linked trips than others. Park for a variety of purposes including We have grouped attractions into three categories ■ Cricket Pavilion simply to enjoy the Park, for dog walking, reflecting their likeliness to have linked trips and ■ Concert Bowl as a through walking route, for sports and estimated an overall discount for total numbers physical activities either within the NSC or under each category. ■ NSC Regular Usage elsewhere in the Park. ■ NSC Event Specific Usage

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 41 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Table 4.13 Visitor Range Midpoints Per Annum for facilities in Crystal Palace Park

People going to these events/facilities are Discount for linked trips to assumed to mostly be going for a specific purpose Event Future visitor numbers other facilities (e.g. evening concert or sports event) and so are Treetop Walk 190,000 least likely to link trips. We assume that the sum North Greenhouse 175,000 of individual visitor estimates to these facilities South Greenhouse 175,000 50% should be reduced by 5% to reflect linked trips. Dinosaur Interpretation Facility 138,000 Results are presented below in Table 4.13. The Crystal Palace Park Museum 138,000 total number of projected visitors to facilities at Crystal Palace Park is 1,242,000 per annum. Events in the Park 118,000 25% 4 The baseline number of visitors to Crystal Palace Farm and College & Lodge 20,000 Park (excluding visitors to special events) is Cricket Pavilion 9,000 1,680,000 per annum. This figure includes Concert Bowl 113,000 regular users of the NSC. Therefore we assume 5% the baseline figure for general23 users of the Park NSC Regular Usage 273,000 to be 1,407,00024 per annum. The projected NSC Event Specific Usage 374,000 number of visitors to Crystal Palace Park per Total 1,723,000 1,242,000 annum will be a combination of general users of the Park and visitors to the Park's facilities. Again Source: URS (2007) we have assumed that some general visitors to the Park will link trips and have discounted the Table 4.14 Visitor Estimates Per Annum Crystal Palace Park Based on Facilities Projections base figure by 5% to reflect this, giving a figure of 1,337,000. Event Future Visitor Numbers General users (exc. visitors to facilities, NSC, events and linked trips) 1,337,000 Total visitors to Crystal Palace Park Facilities and events 1,242,000 Annual Total 2,579,000 23. General users include people using the park for dog walking, as a through walking route, for physical activity and for just Source: SDG & URS (2007) enjoying the park. 24. This figure comes from deducting the existing number of NSC users (273,000) from 1,680,000.

42 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Under these assumptions the projected number The baseline number for total visitors to Crystal The two approaches for estimating overall visitor of visitors to Crystal Palace Park will be Palace Park is 1,890,000 per annum. This numbers to Crystal Palace Park give a range of 2,579,000. The figures are illustrated in Table 4.14 comprises of general usage (1,680,000), visitors 2.6 million to 2.9 million per annum. Both these and present the changes in overall Crystal Palace to events at the NSC (194,000) and visitors to approaches rely on the baseline estimate of around Park visitors as a result of the Park's Masterplan general Park events (20,000). Assuming a 35% 1.68 million visitors to the Park provided by SDG. proposals. The project represents a 36% increase increase in the general park users after the over the estimated 1,890,000 current visitors Masterplan proposals, the number of visitors per (including events) to the Park. annum will be 2,873,000. Including the increased attendance at events brings the overall increase This estimate has a considerable degree of to 52% from the current baseline. uncertainty associated with it for reasons 4 including concerns over the certainty of the Table 4.15 presents the changes in overall visitor baseline estimate of general visitors, uncertainties numbers as a result of Crystal Palace Park's over the degree of linked trips, and a general Masterplan proposals. caveat over the wide range of factors that can influence number of visitors to individual facilities.

For our second approach to estimating visitor numbers we have drawn upon the examples from Table 4.15 Visitor Estimates Per Annum Crystal Palace Park Based on General Uplift Estimate elsewhere where the upgrading of parks has led to an increase in total visitor numbers. The examples Baseline Visitor Future Visitor we have reviewed have estimated increases ranging Event Numbers Numbers from 50% to 200%. We estimate the Masterplan Visitors to the Park exc. visitors to events 1,680,000 2,268,000 proposals of Crystal Palace Park will lead to an Events in the Park, Concert Bowl25 and NSC 210,000 605,000 overall increase in visitor numbers by 35% for non- events visitors. This appears relatively conservative Total Visitors 1,890,000 2,873,000 in comparison with the increases in visitor Source: SDG & URS (2007) numbers demonstrated by other parks but this is 25. Future visitor numbers are based on an average of our still a significant rise in visitor numbers. estimates for the concert bowl

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 43 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

5. CAPITAL AND REVENUE COSTS

5.1. Introduction Table 5.1 Construction Costs for Crystal Palace Park Masterplan Proposals

This section provides an initial outline of the main costs associated with the revitalisation of Crystal Area Construction Cost Palace Park. It highlights the costs associated with Anerley Hill Edge £8,460,000 the Masterplan proposals, maintenance and Palace Terrace £7,704,000 running of each area within the Park. Davis Italian Terraces £7,832,000 Langdon LLP has provided the estimated capital costs for the Masterplan proposals. Land Transitional Landscape £6,424,000 Management Services Limited has provided Central Sports Area £4,900,000 costings for maintenance and staffing for the Park26. Tidal Lakes £4,394,000 Cricket Ground £3,280,000 5.2. Construction Costs for Crystal English Landscape £17,258,000 5 Palace Park Water System £4,448,000 The cost plan totals £67.5million and provides Unexplored Ordinance Survey £146,000 indicative construction costs for Crystal Palace Park. CCTV £558,000 The cost plan is a present day fixed price at Services £2,034,000 October 2007 price levels and excludes, amongst Inflation April 2007 to October 2007 included other things, professional fees and VAT. The cost TOTAL £67,500,000 plan does not include costings for the NSC, RSC, new Museum, Capel Manor student Source: Crystal Palace Park Cost Plan (Davis Langdon LLP, 2007) accommodation or potential residential masterplan proposals. In addition, the cost plan has excluded costs for phasing and remediation.

A breakdown of the construction costs is given in Table 5.1.

Table 5.2 illustrates the building structures that have been costed within the Crystal Palace Park Masterplan proposals.

44 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Table 5.2 Construction Costs for Crystal Palace Park Building Structures 5.3. Maintenance Costs for Crystal Area Construction Cost Palace Park

Café and Dinosaur Interpretation Centre £1,870,000 A Management and Maintenance Plan was Green Waste Compound £210,000 established for the Crystal Palace Park Masterplan South Greenhouse £6,231,000 to focus on the management and maintenance North Greenhouse £8,373,000 of the hard and soft elements of the Park from the existing landscape through to realisation of Cricket Pavilion £512,000 the Park Masterplan. The anticipated Whole Life Meeting Pavilion £115,000 Costs, developed by Land Management Services Park Ranger & Maintenance £445,000 Limited, for the management and maintenance Treetop Walkway £3,214,000 of the park are illustrated in Table 5.3. The annual Palace Kiosks £92,000 maintenance and lifecycle costs for an enhanced 27 Rockhills Café & Community Hall £1,458,000 regional Park are estimated to be £2,820,292 . This compares with the current annual 5 TOTAL £22,520,000 maintenance budget of £1,143,000. Source: Crystal Palace Plan Cost Plan (Davis Langdon LLP, 2007)

26. Refer to the Crystal Palace Park Management and Maintenance Plan (Land Management Services Ltd, 2007) and CPP Cost Plan (Davis Langdon LLP, 2007) for further information 27. Refer to the Crystal Palace Park Management and Maintenance Plan for further information.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 45 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Table 5.3 Annual Maintenance and Life Cycle Costs for Enhanced Regional Park28 5.4. Staffing Costs for Crystal Item Costs Palace Park

Grounds Maintenance £691,811 There will be a range of operational costs associated Hard Landscape Repairs and Replacement £429,880 with running the revitalised Park. The main running Furniture Replacement £63,280 cost is likely to be the in-house Park staff. Land Arboriculture £40,000 Management Services and URS have proposed an in-house staffing structure for Crystal Palace Park29. Buildings and Structures £459,821 Services - Allowance £80,000 The operational staff proposed for Crystal Palace Water System - Allowance £20,000 Park is as follows: Water Quality Monitoring - Allowance £2,000 ■ Crystal Palace Park Chief Executive Officer Dinosaurs and Geological Illustrations £12,000 ■ Park Managers (*3) 5 Staff Costs £815,000 – Community and Interpretation Park Policing - Park Allowance £180,000 Manager Italian Terraces - Inspections and repair £25,000 – Landscape

Surveys and monitoring - Ecology £1,500 ■ Team Leader (*4) TOTAL £2,820,292 – Premises and Security

Source: Management and Maintenance Plan (Land Management Services, 2007) – Interpretation – Park Rangers – Horticulture and Contracts

■ Premises Team (*4) – Premises Officer – Handyman (*2) – Administration Officer

■ Events Management Team (*5) – Events Officer (*3) – Sports Officer – Administration Officer

46 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Table 5.4 Crystal Palace Park Estimated In-house Staff Salaries

■ Information Centre (*4) Staffing Salary Budget Figures – Administration/Front of House Team Staffing Salary Levels (Salary + c.25%) (2 Teams of 2) Chief Executive Officer (1 No.@ c. £45k pa) £60,000 ■ Park Community Officers (*2) Senior Managers (2 No.@ c. £35k pa) £90,000 Team Leaders (4 No. @ c. £28k pa) £140,000 ■ Marketing and Fundraising Officer Park Officers (12 No.@ c. £20k pa) £300,000 ■ Park Rangers (*4) Administration/Front of House (8 No.@ c.15kpa) £150,000 ■ Contracts Team (*2) Operatives (4 No.@ c. £15kpa) £75,000 – Contract Officer Total £815,000 – Administration Officer Source: Land Management Services and URS (2007) ■ Onsite Gardening team (*2) ■ There will be three Event Officers at Crystal i.e. café, butterfly house. Various in-house The estimated salary figures for in-house staff in Palace Park. They will be responsible for park staff will be responsible for supporting 5 the revitalised Crystal Palace Park are presented events in the Park and for supervision, where the running of the greenhouse facilities such in Table 5.4. The total salaries for Crystal Palace necessary, of the functions and meetings as the park manager, park rangers, Park in-house staff are estimated here to be held at the cricket pavilion, subway and contracts team and gardening team. £815,000. interpretation centre. The Sports Officer's ■ It is assumed there will be one Marketing The following points should be noted: responsibilities may include assisting with and Fundraising Officer for the Park. activities involving the cricket pavilion. ■ Salaries assume on costs of 25% but the ■ It would be prudent to plan for a renewal figures do not account for inflation. ■ We have assumed the Park Rangers or fund to cover upgrading materials and Community Officers would be responsible ■ Crystal Palace Park farm and college lodge exhibits at facilities like the Museum, for facilitating the courses with formal and will not require in-house Park staff, as the Dinosaur Interpretation Centre and informal education at the learning centres in tenant Capel Manor will be responsible for Greenhouses. the interpretation centre, museum and the management and staffing of these greenhouse facilities. facilities. The sports accommodation 28. The figures are based on current (2007) cost estimates/rates and there is no allowance for inflation. element of the lodge will be managed by ■ We have assumed the facilities within the 29. Please refer to CPP Management and Maintenance Plan (Land the organisation responsible for the rest of North and South Greenhouse and the Crystal Management Services, 2007) for details of roles and the sporting facilities in the Park. Palace Museum will be contracted out responsibilities of in-house staff at the Park.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 47 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

6. REVIEW OF FUNDING AND REVENUE SOURCES

6.1. Introduction The funding climate in England has changed Development Strategy as well as a Business Plan. dramatically in the last couple of years, with the If the project is requesting less than £5million there This section provides a brief overview of the main winding down of Single Regeneration Budget is no deadline before which one must apply. For sources of potential capital and revenue funding schemes, newly-evolving focus of the Big Lottery those projects that are over £5million there are to support the Masterplan proposals for Crystal Fund and decline in the quantum of European deadlines, a batched assessment and a two-stage Palace Park. The LDA will be responsible for Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund assessment process. providing the core funding for the Masterplan funding from the European Union's main proposals. There will be a requirement to The key funding opportunity is the Heritage Lottery programme budgets post 2006-07. supplement the LDA's funding of the Park with Fund's Public Parks Initiative (which replaced the other sources. Urban Parks Fund) and this would allow park 6.2. Sources of Funding for Crystal management to devise a park-wide scheme. This The LDA have established three different levels Palace Park scheme also provides the opportunity for of regeneration for the Park and have assigned appropriate new building and design provided it capital costs to develop these facilities. The three Heritage Lottery Fund would enhance the existing heritage. The different levels of regeneration are as follows regeneration of Crystal Palace Park is highly (costings in brackets): The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) was set up by appropriate for this type of funding scheme, which Parliament in 1994 to give grants to a wide range ■ Revived local park (£41.8million) takes a holistic and realistic approach to park of projects involving the local, regional and national 6 revitalisation. ■ Enhanced regional park (£16.8million) heritage of the United Kingdom. The non- departmental government body distributes a share Historically HLF have not funded large-scale capital ■ National/international destination of the money raised by the National Lottery for projects, having said that, if it is in order to maximise (£8.9million) Good Causes. Historically heritage and tourism visitor experience, capital investment may be This gives a grand total of £67.5million. projects have been funded by the HLF. Currently possible. HLF will potentially contribute to costs of though the HLF now has a much tighter budget, landscape visitor experience e.g. landscaping, The regeneration of Crystal Palace Park fits within increased competition for funding and clear interpretation, visitor services and other activities the aims and objectives of LDA Economic strategic priorities set out in their Horizons of in line with their aims to improve visitor experience, Development Strategy in particular through its Heritage policy statement. Given the requirements enjoyment and learning. HLF are particularly likely investment and places theme. Some of the main of the policy statement the approaches to the to fund conservation and refurbishment of the listed sources of funding other than from the LDA are development need to be carefully phased and Palace and Italian Terraces. discussed below. backed by appropriate strategic statements, such as a Training Plan, Access Plan and Audience

48 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Sports England Big Lottery Fund – Community Although the Community Buildings scheme is only Buildings Programme in operation for the next three years it is possible Sport England's nine Regional Sports Boards make the time period may be extended in the future. decisions about community funding (grants over Over the next three years the Community Buildings The scheme could potentially provide financial £10,000) for projects in their region. These boards Programme will award £50million for community buildings support for some of the proposed facilities such comprise experts from sport and related fields and to provide services and activities for a broad range of as the cricket pavilion, the interpretation centre they are responsible for the development of sport people. The programme is open to voluntary and and the museum, which will provide plenty of in the region. According to the regional plan community organisations, which includes charities, not- opportunities for community usage and increasing projects in the London area must contribute to for-profit companies, credit unions, social and community social inclusion. the overall aim of the London Plan of increasing enterprises and community based co-operatives. The participation in sport and physical activity in London Crystal Palace Park proposal fits with the following London Borough of Bromley and other by 1% per annum. Projects should reflect the outcomes of the Community Buildings Programme: Boroughs priorities set out by the London Sports Board in ■ Broadening access to, and more use of, the London Plan for Sport. When making There may be potential for the London Borough existing services. investment decisions, the board look for evidence of Bromley to be involved with the future overall that projects will help meet these priorities and ■ Creating a greater number and wider range management structure of the Park. In addition, support Sport England's work to get more people of new services. the council could also contribute to funding the involved in sport – with a focus on hard to reach maintenance of some of the facilities and areas 6 ■ Improving opportunities for the community groups – and help them stay involved throughout around the Park. to access a wide range of learning. their lives. In addition priority will be given to those If other adjoining boroughs are also given a stake projects that are innovative and in multi-sport, ■ Improving the skills, knowledge and in the management of the Park it could be possible multi-activity and multi-use settings. Projects have capacity to respond to community needs. to secure payments from them as well. a goal of delivering sport and physical activity to ■ Improving community relationships and those groups which represent the region's and An additional funding stream could be through networks. Sport England's priorities. the London Biodiversity Partnership for which ■ Improving financial viability of community Bromley Council's Heritage Team was a driving Given the £2million per year budget, smaller grant premises. force in launching the Capital Woodlands Project requests are more likely to be successful. It is to improve London's woodlands. Bromley's very unlikely that large capital requests, ■ Premises that use less energy, pollute less, £75,000 share of the £1m payout will be used particularly any in excess £500,000 would be create less waste and have a reduced over three years to make easier successful. contribution to climate change. for people to visit, providing National Vocational

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 49 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Qualifications to develop the woodland ■ Does a loan create issues with Government Receipts from Sale of Park Land for management skills of people working in the area regulations and LDA practice in relation to Residential Housing and to re-establish the biodiversity of the site, public sector borrowing? This income could cover possible housing working with the Friends of Scadbury Park. This This is an unlikely funding option for the LDA and Masterplan proposals in two different areas of the type of project ties in with the aspirations for would be looked upon as a last resort given the Park - around the Rockhills and Sydenham Gate Crystal Palace Park and hence future funds could agency is against entering into commercial debt. entrances30. The developer contributions from these be used for similar initiatives within Crystal Palace housing Masterplan proposals are estimated by Park such as assisting with the maintenance costs Charitable Trusts Savills to be £8.6million and £4.5million of the learning centres that will provide formal respectively. These figures were estimated in and informal education for all ages. There is potential for the Crystal Palace Park proposal September 2007 and are subject to a margin of to access funding opportunities from charitable trusts. variation. The combined total of sales is Commercial Bank Loan/Private Opportunities to access funding from these sources £13.1million and this would equate to the Finance Initiative can be dependent on the structure of the developer's contribution to the Park's Masterplan management, for example an organisation with Commercial bank loans and Private Finance Initiatives proposals for level one Park improvements. This charitable trust status. However, charitable trust (PFI) are often used to supplement core funding for is a contribution of 31% of the total cost for a funding is by no means restricted to these types development. To increase the chances of securing revived local park. of organisations. Crystal Palace Park has particular 6 loans there will need to be a secure commitment from facilities, such as the Museum and the Dinosaur The receipts from the housing Masterplan proposals the LDA or similar credit worthy organisation that Interpretation Facilities that could access funding would make a significant contribution to funding31 they will be responsible for taking over the Park. This from charitable trusts. It is important that the Park's regeneration. Section 9 of this report type of loan financing would effectively be a mortgage approaches to charitable trusts are made sensitively provides details of the economic and regeneration with a rate of interest re-payable over several years. and strategically with careful consideration for their impacts that would occur as a result of the Park's Key issues for the future Crystal Palace Park policies and funds available and only target the most Masterplan proposals. There would be direct benefits Management Board to consider would be: relevant. The British Athletic Charitable Trust, for created through employment and spending in the ■ Do they wish to take on a form of long-term example, offers funding opportunities to promote local economy by visitors to the Park. financing? health and athletics in marginalised communities. 30. Please refer to the Crystal Palace Park Design and Access ■ Would the Board be prepared to take charge Given the international profile of the Crystal Palace Statement (2007) for further details of the housing proposals. of the Park, which although the loan can be legacy and its proponents, it may be possible to 31. The Masterplan proposals have assumed there will be no affordable housing unless there is a subsidy to offset the difference paid off earlier, will act as a longer term secure funding from charitable organisations between the affordable housing price and the open market value. continued financial liability? abroad as well as in the UK.

50 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

In addition, there would be a number of wider Summary of Funding Sources to be mainly through the use of some of the areas regeneration benefits such as improvements in health within the proposed facilities, for example making The main source of match funding for Crystal and wellbeing of the local community, greater social use of the subway museum area and hiring it out Palace Park would be the National Lottery, which inclusion, increased local opportunities for education for corporate or community uses. It is likely the should provide increased opportunities to secure and learning and increased exposure to cultural majority of the income generated through this funds for investment in regeneration, particularly activities. The residential Masterplan proposals provide process will be modest and in most cases is unlikely following the 2012 Games. There should be critical income to take the Park improvements forward to cover much more than the costs of running the significantly higher levels of Lottery funding so the extent of these economic and regeneration relevant facilities. Some income generating available, particularly as the fund will benefit from impacts justify residential housing. facilities may require a subsidy for example while the recovery of its original funding from the sale they are becoming established. Other funds often require matching sources of of lucrative Olympic Park land. income. The funding acquired through the sale of The residential housing option would be looked Concert Bowl land will increase the total pot of core funding for upon as a last resort and, if taken up, would fund the Park and hence can provide more opportunity The Concert Bowl is currently an underused facility. only basic local Park improvements. to lever in funding from other sources such as HLF. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returned to host a series of eight events in August 2007 with The LDA's community consultation exercise held from 6.3. Income Generation from financial support from the LDA. However, the October to December 2005 found that residents would Park Facilities concert platform is not in an adequate state to 6 be more willing to consider the housing Masterplan proposals host events. The main aspiration for the Concert provided some or all of the following conditions were met: Introduction Bowl by 2009 is for the facility to become self- ■ The housing Masterplan proposals were of financing, which means that it needs to achieve The Crystal Palace Park proposal provides a number real financial benefit to the Park. 5,000-6,000 attendees for each of the eight of facilities that will offer income generation for summer concerts being run by the Royal ■ The scale and design of the housing the Park. However the aspirations for the Philharmonic Orchestra. If these forecasts prove Masterplan proposals would need to be Masterplan proposals are for the Park and the correct, and given the Masterplan proposals for appropriate in terms of not significantly majority of its proposed facilities to be accessible the facility, the Concert Bowl could be a potential impinging on the rest of the Park. to all members of the community. Hence the revenue source to support the Park's operations. majority of facilities are proposed to be free to ■ The housing Masterplan proposals would be This could either be through renting out the enter with the exception of the Concert Bowl, events a once and for all arrangement and not a Concert Bowl facilities or establishing a profit around the Park and facilities in the NSC and RSC. precedent that could be repeated in Crystal sharing agreement with the event organiser. The potential for income generation would appear Palace or other London parks.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 51 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Events around the Terraces The multi-purpose space in the interpretation centre Parallels include Sundridge Park Conference should be able to cater for 50 people attending Centre in Bromley which offers a range of function In addition to the events at the Concert Bowl there functions and events. Our initial findings suggest rooms suitable for small intimate parties or for are a number of events that are planned for Crystal that Crystal Palace Park could charge between up to 220 people for a formal dinner. The rates Palace Park. These include a beer festival, a farmers £300-400 for renting the function space. It is vary based on month and length/time of event market and a Christmas market. It is difficult to assumed the facility could be used up to three times and room hire ranges from £300-1500. Kew establish the amount of income that could be per week for this purpose. In terms of dining and Gardens offer a number of venues for a wide range generated through the planned events especially as drinking there may be potential for Crystal Palace of corporate events. The eighteenth century several of them are not-for-profit and/or community Park to engage in a profit sharing agreement with Orangery is suitable for large evening events and activities. However there could be some income the service provider. is often used for award ceremonies and lavish generated by the events that could be directed towards corporate events. Guests can enjoy receptions on maintaining the Park. Crystal Palace Park Museum the terraces with views of the surrounding landscape. The rates vary between £6,000-7000 Dinosaur Interpretation Facilities Although it is likely that the Crystal Palace Park and the hire time is from 7pm-11pm. Museum will offer free entry to visitors there are Although it is likely that the Dinosaur Interpretation a number of services within the building that Our initial findings suggest that Crystal Palace Park Facility will offer free entry to visitors there are a number should provide a source of revenue income. There could charge between £1,000-1,500 for renting of services within the building that could provide a 6 will be a café/bistro housed within the building the function space for an evening. It is assumed source of revenue income. The Penge Café will be and the rental of this facility to a service provider the facility could be used two times per month housed within the building and the rental of this facility will provide a source of revenue. In addition there for this purpose. In terms of dining and drinking to a service provider will provide a source of revenue. will be a small gift shop area within the facility there may be potential for Crystal Palace Park to In addition there will be a small gift shop area within that will also generate a source of income. engage in a profit sharing agreement with the the facility that will also provide a point to hire boats service provider. for the nearby boating lake. The gift shop and hire Evening usage of the subway facility and viewing boats could also generate a source of income. platform area in the museum will provide additional The museum's viewing platform area could also sources of revenue for Crystal Palace Park. The subway be hired out for corporate use. This facility offers A parallel example is the Regents Park Hub café area could be equipped for hire out for corporate use views of the Park which could add a premium onto area which is hired out for evening functions and and small performances such as jazz nights. The the hire charge. The viewing platform could cater charges £500 per weekday and £600 per weekend subway area space (500m2) is significantly larger than for 100 people and our initial findings suggest that for the room space. The facility caters for up to 80 the multi-purpose space designated in the interpretation Crystal Palace Park could charge between £600- people. In addition, there is a charge of £10 per centre and could potentially cater for 200 people. 700 for renting this space for an evening. It is head for a meal and additional charges for drinks.

52 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

assumed the facility could be used two times per The playing surface area would be hired out to Butterfly Pod provider and benefit from the revenue week for this purpose. As with the subway area, cricket clubs for use in the summer months and generated through entry charges. In 2004 the London there may be potential for Crystal Palace Park to potentially football clubs in the winter and this would Butterfly House at Syon charged an entrance fee engage in a profit sharing agreement with a also generate a source of revenue. The cost of hiring for adults of £4.95 and children of £3.95. Rental catering provider to supply food and drinks. pitches varies in London parks. Regents Park hire income could also be acquired from the visitor shop out their multi-purpose pitches for £37 per session that will have a range of stock available for purchase Cricket Pavilion and Playing Surface (four hours), hire out cricket pitches and the small café/snacks facility. for £75-83 while, at the upper level, The proposed cricket pavilion could provide a hire their pitches out between £140-150. It would Palace Kiosks source of revenue for Crystal Palace Park. The seem sensible to suggest Crystal Palace Park look pavilion will be designed as a multi-space facility There will be a number of kiosks in the Palace Site area to hire out the playing surface starting from £40. that could be hired out for corporate hire or to of the Park that will look to particularly cater for people community and voluntary groups for meetings and attending events on the terraces and the visitors to North Greenhouse and South functions. Users of the playing surface would hire the Concert Bowl. These kiosks are expected to provide Greenhouse the changing rooms area in the facility and this a range of confectionaries including refreshments and would also generate revenue. In terms of room It is anticipated admission to the North and South newspapers. The kiosks will be rented out to service charges this differs according to size of facility. Greenhouse will be free in order to ensure the whole providers that will provide a source of revenue funding community has an opportunity to access the facilities that would contribute to the maintenance of the Park. 6 Parallels include the community hub at Regents and encourage a higher number of visitors from Park which charges a rate of £20-25 per hour for outside Crystal Palace. However both facilities do its meeting/function rooms. The facility can fit 80 6.4. Conclusion provide sources of income generation for the Park. people standing and 60 people seated. The charge The facilities within the South Greenhouse will This section provides a brief overview of the main for renting changing room facilities at the Regent provide an opportunity to generate revenue. The sources of potential capital and revenue funding to Park Hub is £59 per session (every four hours). rental of the café facility to a service provider will support the Masterplan proposals of Crystal Palace Park. The multi-use space in the cricket pavilion is likely provide a source of income. There will be a need to undertake a more in-depth to have space for 30 people. Crystal Palace Park review of funding sources to locate funds to support The renting of facilities within the North Greenhouse might be able to charge around £15-20 per hour the Masterplan proposals of the Park. Work would also also provides an opportunity to generate revenues. and between £75-100 for a full evening for using involve looking at potential income generation from Rental income might be obtained from the Butterfly the facility. A charge of between £50-60 could be the Crystal Palace Park facilities. Section nine Pod if it becomes part of this facility. The LDA could assigned for using the changing rooms at the discusses the further research that will be undertaken engage in a profit sharing agreement with the cricket pavilion in Crystal Palace Park. into locating sources of funding for Crystal Palace Park.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 53 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

7. ANALYSIS OF MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES

7.1. Introduction 7.2. Options ■ There may be issues over developing a satisfactory working relationship between The LDA have the option to take over the Option One LB Bromley and local stakeholders. remaining lease of Crystal Palace Park in 2009 – London Borough Bromley from LBB (the LDA currently has 125 year lease Option Two on the NSC and farm areas of the Park). Prior to This approach would involve the Park remaining – London Development Agency this and in relation to the proposed improvements under direct local authority control with contracts to the Park it is important to determine the most for various aspects of the Park being procured Under this option the LDA would be exclusively appropriate management structure in order to individually on a best-value basis. This approach responsible for the day-to-day management and maximise the Park's potential. This includes a is the simplest in that no new structure is required. maintenance of Crystal Palace Park. The LDA would requirement to determine how Crystal Palace Park It allows LB Bromley to manage Crystal Palace gain direct control over funding and management should be maintained in the long term. Park with little explicit requirement for coordination and have the ability to pursue partnerships with between adjacent local authorities or other open others. A number of options are available for the space owners or managers. governance and management structure of Crystal The advantages of this option include: Palace Park. These options include public bodies The advantage of this approach is its simplicity, ■ There are a number of successful such as the London Development Agency or the with no need to commit management effort of city/mayoral funded parks based on a LB Bromley being responsible for the management resources beyond immediate open space portfolio of citywide parks, such as in Paris, and maintenance of the Park or alternatively this management aspiration or need. However the which can increase funding opportunities could be covered by independently funded disadvantages include: such as taxation or green space levies. organisations. Other approaches include ■ The LB Bromley has limited motivation for 7 collaborations between local authorities, funding ■ The LDA may be able to ring fence budgets investment in the Park as it is on the edge of organisations, the community and other that would focus on the Park. the Borough and is not a high political priority. stakeholders. Each of these options has their ■ There would be one principal organisation advantages and disadvantages that need to be ■ The Park performs a sub-regional function dealing with the complex phased considered within the context of Crystal Palace Park. and the structure allows limited scope for implementation of the Masterplan. the other adjoining boroughs to the Park The following section32 provides a brief analysis of and the LDA to be involved. options for an overall management structure for Crystal Palace Park and compares each option's pros ■ LB Bromley is likely to find it difficult to

and cons, whilst referring to some existing examples. commit the resources needed to maintain This section was informed by discussions with LB Bromley. the Park to a satisfactory standard.

54 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

The disadvantages of this option include: 'Regional Park' in a partnership arrangement ■ The informal nature of a partnership could between the London Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, result in a lack of longer-term commitment ■ The LDA would be required to set up Greenwich and Lewisham. The Green Chain required from various partners and an management structures for the Park. partnership has been successfully operating since insufficiently strong executive function. ■ There may be issues over developing a the late 1970s. The ongoing implementation of the ■ Lack of a single focus at a political/senior satisfactory working relationship between initiative is dependent on a successful partnership officer level may limit effectiveness in the LDA and local stakeholders. between the boroughs and the continued delivering complex open space initiatives. contributions made to the Joint Operational Fund. Option Three – Informal Partnership Partner boroughs agree to continue funding the ■ Lack of independent profile needed for project, with the current proportion calculated by marketing purposes and entrepreneurial The third approach is perhaps the most common the size of the population living within 3.2km of activity may be an issue. method of partnership working across local the Green Chain. Boroughs can decide to reduce authority boundaries and could provide suitable ■ Lack of independence from the sponsoring or fix their contribution to the fund. forum for collaborative and coordinated efforts in authorities could mean slow decision- the delivery of strategic open space aspirations. This arrangement could exist in the Crystal Palace making and potential for conflict amongst The approach involves informal but structured Park case between the five adjoining south London competing departmental priorities and cooperation between interested organisations and boroughs and the LDA. All the boroughs would partners, leading to lack of action. is often led by a local authority and can include sign up and commit to the phased implementation ■ Potential for uncertainty over budgets and other organisations especially if there are of the Masterplan and funding. income would need to be ring-fenced. significant land ownership issues involved. Day Advantages include: to day management and maintenance operations Option Four – Formal Partnership 7 typically remains under the control of the ■ The partners can share risk and liability. respective open space owners/managers, but This option involves a more formal commitment ■ Capacity to capitalise on existing networks management and maintenance standards could between the partners of the partnership and initiatives. be coordinated between the various organisations organisations. This would involve a dedicated chief involved. The use of this approach may also result The disadvantages include: executive and executive team. The approach would in the inheritance of certain positive and negative also require a greater level of longer-term ■ The task of fostering and maintaining a elements of existing structures and procedures. commitment and finance from the various relatively loose partnership falls to partners, an assured budget, more formalised This approach is illustrated by the South East individuals and may be subject to strain as structures of reporting and support from various London Green Chain, which is managed as a the situation and people involved changes. local authority committees and from the boards

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 55 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

of other key partners and political representation ■ If a separate legal identity is not established example and possible model on which the Crystal at a high level. this may limit the ability to raise funds Palace Park management structure could be based. The Conservancy operates by receiving a fixed Member representation on a management board ■ The public and others may perceive the fee from the city to manage the park but has also would provide democratic legitimacy. Day to day organisation as lacking independence. developed the ability to generate its own management and maintenance operations may significant income. Another example is that of remain under the control of the respective open Option Five Wimbledon and Commons. These commons space owners/managers, but parts or indeed all – Independent Trust or Company are managed by an independent management responsibility could fall under the control of the The management structure under this option would entity; in this case a Board of Conservators. Three partnership organisation. be a trust or company, which would function of the conservators are Government appointed, An example of this option is the newly founded independently of the existing local authorities, one each appointed by the Secretary of State for Mersey Waterfront Regional Park, which is a formal agencies and other partners, whilst being Defence, the Secretary of State for the partnership approach to the delivery of a sponsored by and working in partnership with Environment and the Home Secretary; five are strategic park opportunity. them. The trust would have the power to make elected every three years by the levy payers. decisions relating to the Park management and Some of the advantages of this method are: The main advantages of an independent trust or revitalisation thus maximizing opportunities for company are: ■ It provides a dedicated organisation for efficient decision-making and delivery. delivery and management of strategic open ■ Single focus and independent nature of the The establishment of a trust would represent a space aspirations. trust. fresh start for the Park and could be viewed as 7 ■ It allows existing open space apolitical, with independent trustees and a ■ Separate legal identity maximises owners/managers to retain full control over management board. It could lead to enhanced opportunities for marketing, efficient the development of the initiative. relationships with stakeholders and foster decision-making and fundraising. community support, whilst maximising ■ Planning and regeneration powers could be ■ Charitable status may bring tax benefits. opportunities for funding. This type of structure directed firmly in support of the strategic could fit well with one of the key aims of the The main disadvantages of this option are: aspirations for the Park. Masterplan proposals - to give Crystal Palace Park ■ As an independent body a trust would lack The main disadvantages of this option are: back to the community and involve them further the security (particularly financial) offered in its management. ■ The funding and financial structures may be by local authority partnerships. too complex. Central Park Conservancy in New York is an

56 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

■ The trust or company could fail, leaving open management of the authority's business activities ■ Local authorities or other existing open space resources unfunded and unmanaged, and is supported by a staff of about 150. The space owners/managers who would lose thereby signifying risk and liability. business is split into two principal operating existing authority may not welcome the divisions: Park Services and Sport and Leisure creation of a new park authority and ■ No direct access to the financial support and Management, supported by Directorates of democratic control to such a body as well powers of local authorities or Government Finance, Communications and Technical, Planning possibly being required to fund it. (unless otherwise agreed). and Policy Services. ■ Lack of a monitoring structure to assess the The main advantages of this option are: 7.3. Conclusion performance of the trust could be an issue. ■ The approach presupposes Central The section provides a brief analysis of possible ■ It is likely to take time for a new trust to Government support, powers established by options for an overall management structure for become established, including developing Government and possible Government Crystal Palace Park. Building on this work it will the legal framework, organisational funding. be important to establish a preferred option for structure and staff structures. the overall management structure of the Park. ■ It would signify Government commitment Section nine discusses the further research that Option Six – A New Park Authority or and would carry considerable weight. will be undertaken into establishing a preferred Similar Organisation ■ Even if planning, compulsory purchase and overall management option for Crystal Palace Park. The final option proposes the establishment of a other powers were to remain with the local fully independent organisation/governance, which authorities, the organisation would have would be supported by the Government. The substantial power, independence and ability organisation would be like a park authority, which to delivery, subject to adequate funding and 7 may or may not have independent planning other arrangements. powers, compulsory purchase powers, etc. The main disadvantages of this option are: An example of an existing organisation that falls ■ The establishment of an organisation with under this category is The Lee Valley Regional Park, similar powers and structure to the Lee which is financed through an annual levy on Regional Park Authority would require council tax base of Hertfordshire, Essex and London Government support, as primary legislation Boroughs that cover the Park area. A senior would be involved. A regional park authority management team of five chief officers, led by may lack democratic legitimacy. a chief executive, is responsible for the professional

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 57 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

8. REGENERATION IMPACT

8.1. Introduction 8.2. Summary of Quantitative The Masterplan proposals seek to: Impacts of Crystal Palace Park This section highlights the main economic and ■ Re-enforce Crystal Palace Park as the Masterplan proposals regeneration impacts resulting from the primary visitor attraction in this part of revitalisation of Crystal Palace Park. It identifies This section provides a summary of the main South London, drawing between 700,000 and some of the quantitative impacts such as the direct quantitative impacts that are expected to result 1 million additional visitors, and making it of and indirect jobs created through the Masterplan from the Crystal Palace Park Masterplan proposals. strategic significance in London as whole. proposals and the potential amounts of visitor We have used calculations derived from the socio- ■ Create over 80 new jobs in the construction spent in the area. It also provides an assessment economic assessment33 undertaken by Hunt phase34 and up to 100 new jobs in the Park of visitor spend in the local area. It concludes with Dobson Stringer. and buildings. New employment in the Park an analysis of the wider regeneration impacts that could include additional park management, will emerge as a result of the Masterplan proposals. staffing of kiosks, cafés and other attractions. One off events in the Park will also create employment and business opportunities although this will be largely casual work including stewarding, catering and other event management/services.

Table 8.1 Summary of Economic Impacts

8 Impact Direct Impact and Level Induced Employment 33. Refer to Crystal Palace Park Regeneration Statement, Hunt Construction Employment 83 FTE jobs – regional N/a Dobson Stringer, October 2007 and Socio-economics Chapter Park Employment 90-100 jobs – local 9-10 additional jobs – local (Chapter 8) of the Crystal Palace Park Masterplan Environmental Statement, London Development Agency, 2007. Wider Employment 50 jobs – local 5 jobs local 34. A significant proportion of the construction employment Household Expenditure £3.8 million – mainly local and sub-regional N/a forecast is expected to be on-site (typically around half), with the rest being elsewhere in the construction supply chain. Source: Regeneration Statement, LDA (2007).

58 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

■ Increase expenditure in the local area in 8.3. Wider Regeneration Impacts Table 8.2 summarises the benefits of revitalised two main ways. First the masterplan will of Crystal Palace Park Masterplan and new facilities at Crystal Palace Park against bring new attractions to the mainly unused proposals the above criteria in terms of their potential area northwestern part of the Park – the Palace of influence and wider regeneration impacts. Site and Terraces – adjacent to the Town Introduction Centre and open up routes to the town Economic Value This section considers the wider regeneration centre from here. Second it will increase the impacts as a result of the Crystal Palace Park. The The specific economic impacts of the regeneration overall number of visitors to the Park thus 'London Strategic Parks Report' published by of Crystal Palace Park are highlighted in Section 8.2. generally increasing the numbers who are Greater London Authority (2006) states that the These include direct employment benefits to the likely to access the Park through the gate value of an open space is an aggregated economy not only at the local level but also to the closest to the Town Centre. The increase in measure of its cultural, educational, amenity, wider South London sub-region. There are a number expenditure will equate to approximately 50 health, sport and recreation, children's play, of wider and more qualitative economic impacts of full time jobs. regeneration, economic, environmental and the Park that also need to be considered. ■ Increase expenditure in the area by almost biodiversity values. The value of an open space 'The Economic Impacts of Funding Heritage' (2006) £4 million per year through household can be assessed under the following broad key document published by the Heritage Lottery Fund expenditure by new residents living in the areas of influence: (HLF) recognises through anecdotal evidence that housing units.The Crystal Palace Park ■ Economic value; there is a link between their projects and the wider Masterplan proposals could be expected to regeneration of an area. The document particularly bring major economic benefits to the local ■ Social inclusion, community development; highlights claims from property agents, which area. These are summarised in Table 8.1 ■ Education and life-long learning; suggest the increased saleability of residential below. In total therefore there are property within close proximity of certain estimated to be 83 construction jobs and ■ Health and well-being; revitalised projects. 155-165 operational jobs arising from the ■ Environment and ecology; and 8 proposals. The HLF report also states that several of the ■ Heritage and culture. projects had made an important contribution to increasing the quality of the tourist offer within The above criteria act as indicators of the wider the local area. The development of the National impacts of the regeneration of an open space, which Coal Mining Museum was highlighted as an example is in addition to the more direct and quantifiable of a key visitor attraction in the sub-region that impacts of the Crystal Park Masterplan proposals. has provided a boost to tourism in the local area.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 59 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Table 8.2 Crystal Palace Park Facilities Evaluated Against Indicators of Regeneration Impacts

Social Inclusion Education Economic Health & & Community & Life Long Environment Heritage Facilities/Indicator Value Well-Being Development Learning & Ecology & Culture

Crystal Palace Park Farm and Lodge ✓✓✓✓

Penge Café and Dinosaur Interprétation Facilities ✓✓✓✓

Concert Bowl ✓✓✓✓

South Greenhouse ✓✓✓

North Greenhouse ✓✓✓

Palace Kiosks ✓

Crystal Palace Park Museum ✓✓✓✓

Cricket Pavilion ✓✓✓ ✓ ✓

Treetop Walk ✓✓ ✓✓

Events in the Park ✓✓ ✓

Regional Sports Centre ✓✓✓ ✓

National Sports Centre ✓✓✓ ✓ 8 Source: URS

60 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

Such benefits can be termed 'catalytic impacts' community development as a 'set of values and community hub facility acts as a mechanism for and capture benefits not directly related to the practices which plays a special role in overcoming holding meetings and functions for, amongst project but for which the project is a valuable pre- poverty and disadvantage, knitting society others, community, voluntary and youth requisite. As suggested by the South London together at the grass roots and deepening organisations. The cricket pavilion will have a multi- Economic Development Implementation Plan democracy'. Similarly, social inclusion as defined use area that can be used for community activities. draft, Crystal Palace and the immediate by the Planning Portal is the 'positive action taken Events at the Concert Bowl and those planned for surrounding areas have low business density, low to include all sectors of society in planning and the terraces and other areas within the Park such rates of business start-ups and are often decision-making.' as the Jamaica Fun Day, Bowl Festival, Crystal described as some of the most deprived areas. The Park, as a community amenity, performs a Palace Arts Fair/Exhibition, Horticultural Show and Regeneration of Crystal Palace Park should, if variety of functions for the local communities as SOS Community Concert will help to draw people executed well, increase the attractiveness of these well as contributing towards the sustainability of from different backgrounds. Given that the wards surrounding neighbourhoods. It could add value the wider region. immediately surrounding the Park35 are made up to the residential and commercial properties in of a percentage of individuals of Asian or British the surrounding Crystal Palace, Penge, Anerley, The restoration work will improve the image and Asian origin, the above-mentioned events will Sydenham and Norwood areas. This should help profile of Crystal Palace Park, thereby attracting increase the opportunities for inclusion of these attract increased investment and economic a greater number of people from the surrounding minority communities and also promote their activity to the areas, with for example the communities to visit and use it and in this manner development through participation. The variety establishment of new restaurants and cafes near encouraging increased interaction between the of events, which includes the Horticultural Show, the Park, thereby boosting the local economy and various communities and people. The proposals Victorian Weekend and Christmas Market will also initiating a knock-on effect to benefit the wider as part of the development framework suggest provide an opportunity for the large number of sub-region. that the Park will play host a variety of events older people36 in the area to interact with the and activities, which are community-oriented and community at large. Social Inclusion and Community would promote social integration, play and Development learning. This would include events such as the 8 BMX and skateboard competition, Interschool cross Enhanced social inclusion and community country, Buzz School Holiday Activities, Fun Run development will be a positive consequence of the and Kids of Steel Triathlon. 35. Crystal Palace, Forest Hill, Perry Vale, Sydenham, Penge and regeneration of Crystal Palace Park. 'The Cator, Clock House, South Norwood, Upper Norwood, Gipsy Hill Community Development Challenge' (December, The planned cricketing pitch rejuvenation will and College. 36. Around 15% (20,943) of the 140,257 people living in the 2006) document published by the Department for provide opportunities for bringing together the local wards immediately surrounding the Park are 60 years or over. Communities and the Local Government describes community in Crystal Palace. In Regents Park, the

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 61 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

The new Museum and the Dinosaur Interpretation Education and Life Long Learning care; first diplomas in animal and horse care; facilities being unique facilities to the sub-region national diplomas in animal care and horse The Crystal Palace Park proposals include developing could potentially promote community development management; national certificates in animal care a new range of formal and informal learning through their heritage and educational value. The and horse management; a national award in activities. These include learning and training education suites provided within these facilities animal care; and certificates in saddlery and opportunities for school leavers and people at work. and the North Greenhouse could support the advanced saddlery. development of local schools by encouraging more The Museum and Dinosaur Interpretation facilities practical and out-of-classroom learning. promote the historical significance of the Park and Health and Well-Being the local area and through their unique features. The high-grade access and facilities for disabled There will be health and well-being benefits Galleries and exhibitions can be viewed as an people and the inclusive design of the new associated with the regeneration of Crystal Palace educational experience in itself. The Masterplan buildings and the entire Park will contribute Park. These benefits could include reduced proposals will also include a number of educational towards meeting the needs of diverse levels of stress, blood pressure and obesity, which benefits for young people from Crystal Palace and communities. The re-landscaped Park with better in turn improve the physical and mental well being its surrounding areas through the establishment of pathways, well-lit areas and buildings designed of an individual. three education suites within the Park. These will to attract everyone, would also help reduce anti- be housed in the museum, Dinosaur Interpretation A larger proportion of visitors to the Park will social behaviour which can be a common Centre and North Greenhouse and will provide formal benefit from having healthier lifestyles and an problem in parks. and informal education for all ages. enhanced quality of life through some of the new The regeneration of Crystal Palace Park will deliver facilities such as the improved sports facilities at The Capel Manor College is a facility within the Park an amenity that attempts to cater to the needs the NSC and RSC, the cricket pitch, Treetop Walk that will provide unique training courses for young of the whole community. It will promote learning and the children's play areas. people and adults that tie-in with the National and education, employment and development of Curriculum and provide opportunities for practical The upgraded landscape in Crystal Palace Park skills amongst local people and should enhance work experience in horticulture, landscaping, with its dedicated pedestrian and jogging 8 social inclusion. floristry, flower-arranging and animal husbandry pathways, and ample play areas will also provide Social cohesion can be enabled through design that would significantly improve the skills base of greater opportunities for the general park users and a well-facilitated park that provides a sense the local community as well the wider sub-region. to exercise and walk through and should of place and belonging to the local communities. contribute to their physical and mental well-being. The estimated 300 students that would attend the The Finsbury Park Management Plan 2007-2011 college will have the opportunity to benefit from (January 2007) stated that improvements to that a range of courses including NVQ level 1 in animal park had a positive impact on the number of people

62 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

taking part in physical activity. These activities The North and South Greenhouses being commemorate and celebrate the Park's past and included walking, children's play, skating, particularly dedicated to flora and fauna could its significance in London's history, teaching the skateboarding, cycling, dog walking and jogging. provide a learning experience to tourists and more local communities and tourists of the history of importantly the local population. Learning about the Park and its role in shaping the area. The The Masterplan proposals of Crystal Palace Park the natural environment could potentially raise revitalisation of the dinosaur facilities will should also bring newfound publicity to the NSC awareness amongst the local communities about emphasise the Park's historic heritage value in providing physical health benefits to an estimated issues, such as climate change and sustainable addition to promoting education and learning. 273,000 visitors per annum. development, which will encourage people to The regeneration of the Park includes the support causes and initiatives that aim to tackle Environment and Ecology rejuvenation of the cricket ground, which is of the above issues. historical significance given it is where Victorian Parks and green spaces can provide opportunities The regeneration of Crystal Palace Park as an cricketing legend W.G. Grace managed the for people to enjoy and appreciate the natural expanse of ecology amidst an urban setting can London County Cricket team. The restoration and environment. The benefit of revitalising Crystal Palace contribute towards highlighting the increasing re-use of the ground for cricket amongst other Park is in providing this opportunity to the local importance of maintaining and protecting similar things would also add to maintaining the heritage communities and people within the wider region. parks everywhere in order or to make sure of a of the Park and its uses. The Crystal Palace Park proposals provide an sustainable environment. The Concert Bowl, which has previously played enhanced area where nature can flourish in an urban host to number of famous bands including Bob environment and where people can enjoy, learn from Heritage and Cultural Value Marley, the Beach Boys, Eric Clapton, The Cure and protect the natural world. The Park's Masterplan Crystal Palace Park is steeped in history dating and Level 42, is of cultural value to the area. proposals include landscaping and remedial works back to the time when Joseph Paxton's original Proposed events, such as the Royal Philharmonic to the lakes that will enhance the existing Crystal Palace stood there. In regenerating the Concert series, Jamaica Day and the Bowl Festival ecological network. It will also highlight its Park the hope is to re-establish its historical will add to the cultural impact of the Park and importance in terms of it being a high quality natural prominence in Crystal Palace and the wider sub- contribute towards its growth as a cultural hub 8 environment in an urban setting and the added region. Even though the palace itself is not for the community and the wider sub-region. aesthetic value the Park provides to the sub-region. proposed to be re-built, there are various other Demonstrating the heritage and cultural value of A well-maintained large green open space such as features and facilities that once restored will bring the Park can significantly influence the economic the revitalised Crystal Palace Park will attract a greater to light the heritage and cultural value of the Park. viability of the area particularly through tourism number of people to live and work in the area, thereby The new museum with exhibitions and galleries and also socially by fostering a sense of pride within kick-starting a wider regeneration drive. dedicated to the history of the Park will the community.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 63 OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

9. NEXT STEPS

9.1. Introduction activities/services will take place without a particular activities and facilities. Discussions would payment being made, in particular, those which be held with organisations, such as HLF and Sport This document provides an outline of a business provide facilities for the local community, whilst England, to determine the potential for funds. case for the Crystal Palace Park Masterplan others will attract a full commercial rent. proposals. A range of additional work will be This research would cover potential capital required. This section outlines suggested next steps Further detailed information on the NSC and RSC is funding sources for building and landscaping works. in the process of developing the Crystal Palace also required. This will include confirming the activities It will also involve looking at revenue funding Park business plan, economic and regeneration and services to be provided in the sports centres. sources to support operations within some of the case and funding bids. individual facilities; for example, the museum will be able to tap into charitable trusts for both capital 9.3. Capital and Revenue Costs and revenue funding support. 9.2. More Detailed Demand Further work is needed to firm up on capital and Assessment revenue costs. For example, costs for remediation 9.5. Detailed Economic Assessment The findings from this report provide an initial works and phasing are currently being researched demand assessment of proposed facilities within and may require more detailed soil testing and This report provides an initial socio-economic Crystal Palace Park. The demand assessment investigation. There is also a need to prepare an assessment of the Masterplan proposals considering highlights the potential number of visitors to each on-going costed maintenance plan for the employment impacts, visitor spend and wider facility and the Park overall and also identifies upkeep of the Park and its structures. We would regeneration impacts. A detailed economic factors that may impact on the demand for using also recommend the formation of a fund to pay assessment will need to be undertaken. This could these facilities. There would be benefit in for upgrading facilities (e.g. new exhibitions) to include cost-benefit analysis and value for money undertaking more detailed research to scope out keep them fresh and attractive. assessments. These studies would consider the details of the proposed facilities, their deadweight, displacement and additionality and financial models and estimated demand amongst conform to Treasury Green Book requirements. 9.4. Detailed Research into the local and wider population. Funding Sources Another method for measuring the economic impact This work would involve looking at revenue of the Masterplan proposals of Crystal Palace Park There will be a need to undertake a more detailed generation from different activities and services is contingent valuation. This is a method used to review of funding sources to support the 9 provided within Crystal Palace Park. Factors that place an economic value on non-market public Masterplan proposals for the Park. will need to be considered for each activity include goods. It is commonly used in the economic amount and nature of space required, frequency Work would involve exploring potential funding valuation of ecosystems and environmental of use and potential revenue generated. Some sources, both for the Park as a whole and for goods. Contingent valuation uses a survey to elicit

64 Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS CRYSTAL PALACE PARK – MASTERPLAN

how much respondents are willing to pay to receive 9.7. Business Plan a public good, or how much they are willing to The findings from this report provide an outline of accept in compensation for not receiving that good. the economic and regeneration case for the The results can be used (alongside other economic Masterplan proposals of Crystal Palace Park. There measures) to derive a total economic value for a will be a need to use the information to produce a public good. Contingent valuation can be used to detailed, fully costed business plan for Crystal Palace derive social values for both users and non-users Park and its facilities. It is imperative to develop this of the good in question. For example, people may detailed business plan given the need to demonstrate value their local library as a valuable cultural asset to funding organisations the potential benefits, outputs even though they do not directly use it, i.e. and outcomes that would result from the Park existential values. proposals. In addition, funding organisations will expect a detailed financial case to be made that would highlight 9.6. Management Arrangements how facilities and the Park would be sustainable.

This report has provided a number of options for Business plans could be developed for each of the an overall management structure for Crystal Palace facilities and for the overall Park in order to quantify Park. An important element of work will be to all of the differing aspects of the Park. The production establish a preferred option for the overall of fully costed business plan(s) will include an management structure. This will involve detailed organisational structure for the Park, a detailed research into management arrangements building demand assessment of Park facilities, capital and on the initial findings in this report and will involve revenue costs, cash projections, funding sources, looking at management structures of parks of similar cost phasing, sensitivity analysis and risk assessment. size. The potential options for the Park's overall management will need to be discussed with the 9.8. Funding Bids/Packages local community to enable them to be part of the decision making for a preferred option. There will There will be a requirement to put together a number also need to be further discussions with stakeholders of funding applications to support the regeneration 9 such as the LB Bromley and Greenwich Leisure of the Park. The majority of funding applications will Limited to establish their potential role in a future require a business plan that demonstrated an economic overall management board for Crystal Palace Park. and regeneration case for Crystal Palace Park.

Produced on behalf of the LDA by URS 65