False start precedes launch of latest redevelopment idea

摘要

The original Crystal Palace was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton to house the Great Exhibition of 1851 in Hyde Park. In 1854 it was expanded and relocated south London, prompting the area to take on the structure's name. The palace was the largest glass structure in the world before fire destroyed it in 1936. Much of the original site is unused by the public but small-scale and temporary events have been staged in one area. In 1999 the park was awarded £4.4M from the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore 40% of the land- scape and infrastructure, but the London Borough of Bromley was unable to push ahead with the scheme without "significant investment" in infrastructure.