Children's farm returns to Crystal Palace Park

One of Crystal Palace's favourite attractions, the children's farm, is set to return to the park after an absence of seven years with the aid of a £100k grant from the London Development Agency (LDA).

Funding will see the burnt out and derelict site re-built and restocked with everything from guinea pigs to Shetland ponies as well as a new reptile house for snakes and lizards. Thousands of visitors are expected every year following Bromley Borough Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the farm to reopen.

The farm is part of the ongoing rejuvenation of Crystal Palace Park by the LDA which aims to provide a more open green space, better access and a revitalised, sustainable park that reflects the needs of the local community.

After battling against financial and operational difficulties the farm was forced to close in 2000 and has been an eyesore and magnet for local crime and arson ever since. The abandoned buildings will be renovated and a new glass house built to replace a small barn that burnt down some years ago. The farm will be managed by Capel Manor - a specialist training college in animal husbandry and horticulture.

Roger Frith, LDA Senior Development Manager for the park said:

"The reopening of the children’s farm is fantastic news for the local community. The farm will be a great addition to Crystal Palace Park, enabling thousands of school children and members of the public to visit the animals for free. In addition, there will also be dedicated courses in animal husbandry and horticulture for the students of Capel Manor College. The LDA is delighted that Bromley Council have given planning permission for the reopening of the farm. We look forward to working with them further in developing our masterplan for the park."

London Assembly member Val Shawcross said:

"The farm in Crystal Palace Park was always a popular attraction.  I hope Capel Manor farm will be successful and help draw more – and especially younger – people into Crystal Palace Park."       

The news was welcomed by Ray Sacks, Chairman, Crystal Palace Campaign who said:

"The aspirations of many local people to have animals in the park have been realised. Since thousands of children and parents have missed the presence of the farm, the Crystal Palace Campaign welcomes this development."

The farm will be open to the public in the afternoons, for 4 to 5 days a week, with school parties visiting in the morning.

Adam Harman, Parent Governor, Paxton Primary School said:

"As a parent and as a governor at Paxton Primary School I welcome the fantastic news that the farm will be re-opening in Crystal Palace Park. It will be a great educational asset to the schools and young people in our community, and a much needed addition to the overall vitality of our park."

It is expected that the farm will reopen in September 2007.

Notes to Editors:

1. For more information about Capel Manor Farm please contact 08456 122 122 or visit www.capel.ac.uk
2. The plan is subject to formal approval from Government Office for London.
3. Proposed animals for the farm include: Kune Kune pigs, Chinchillas, Goats, Parakeets, Rabbits, Finches, Guinea Pigs, Snakes, Chickens, Small Lizards, Hamsters, Amphibians, Gerbils, Alpacas, Degus, and Shetland Ponies.
4. Capel Manor College was established in 1968 and is one of the fastest developing specialist colleges in the UK. It is London's specialist in horticulture, floristry, garden design, arboriculture, and management of the environment, as well as animal care and equine studies.
5. The Mayor of London and the LDA rescued Crystal Palace Park's sports facilities with Sport England in 2004. The LDA took responsibility for the swimming pool and athletics facilities at the National Sports Centre in March 2006.

Ends

For media enquiries please contact Rachel Clark at the LDA Media Team on 020 7593 8616; for public enquiries, please call 020 7593 9000.

Notes to Editors:

The London Development Agency works to improve the quality of life for all Londoners and drive sustainable economic growth.