New square opens as thousands flock to weekend events at Crystal Palace Park

Twenty thousand weekend visitors to Crystal Palace Park were greeted for the first time, not by the sight of ugly blue turnstiles, but an attractive cosmopolitan square.

The new space marks the latest step in the long-term regeneration of the Park, by the London Development Agency.

The £250,000 square opened as the Park saw its busiest weekend for quite some time with over 20,000 people attending the Norwich Union Athletics Grand Prix and the inaugural concerts of the 'Pops in the Park' concert series.

For athletics fans it was a weekend of highs and lows with Tyson Gay taking the 100m sprint trophy with a blistering time of 10.02 seconds.  However, there was also a somewhat sombre end to proceedings as much loved UK sprinter Jason Gardner announced his retirement.
 
In the Park's concert bowl, the 'Opera Gala' concert saw the return of classical and pop concerts in nearly a decade.  The concerts continue until August 27 concluding with a spectacular 'Last Night of the Proms'.

The London Development Agency continues to work in close consultation with the local community over the development of its masterplan for the Park. Its plans to provide more open green space, better facilities, better access and a revitalised, sustainable Park for the 21st century, will be submitted to Bromley Council in the Autumn.

LDA Chief Executive, Manny Lewis said:

"The rejuvenation of Crystal Palace Park has the potential to be a great catalyst for the wider regeneration of South London. The LDA will continue to work in close partnership with the local community to ensure our plans remain loyal to the parks history and spirit."

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For media enquiries please call Luke Robinson at the LDA Press Office on 020 7593 8069. For further information of the Crystal Palace Concerts go to www.popsinthepark.co.uk
 
Notes to Editors:

The development achieved a level access from Crystal Palace station external concourse area to the access road and the park beyond. The site area constitutes 6500sqm.

The development is located within the Crystal Palace Conservation Area. No trees were felled.

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.