A project to see a new and improved Crystal Palace Park has finally been agreed.

In an announcement today (August 1) Bromley Council said its executive came to a decision on Tuesday July 22, and two days later the Mayor of London followed suit.

The £2.4 million programme, funded by the council and mayor, will see new landscaping, visitor facilities, while the much-loved historic dinosaurs will also be conserved.

A new fund has also been set up, designed to award grants to community groups to see their own projects realised.

Organisations will be able to apply for up to £20,000 as part of the plans.

The first stage of the scheme is expected to be complete by spring next year, when individual initiatives could begin.

Council leader Stephen Carr said: “This is good news for the park. We are enormously grateful for the ongoing support that local groups and residents have given us and we will continue to work with local people going forward.”

Councillor Carr also noted the ongoing negotiations with Chinese developer the ZhongRong Group, which has been heavily linked with Crystal Palace Park’s regeneration.

ZhongRong's billionaire owner, Ni Zhaoxing, has held talks with Bromley Council and the Greater London Authority about building a replica Crystal Palace.

Cllr Carr added: “Understandably, people are also interested in our negotiations with the ZhongRong Group and whilst these discussions continue, I know people do understand our need to respect the confidential nature of these discussions.

“As soon as we can say more, we will.”

Deputy Mayor for land and planning Richard Blakeway said: “We are delighted that, following consultation locally, we have been able to identify a raft of improvements set to benefit park users.”

What’s next for Crystal Palace Park? Here’s what Bromley Council has in mind:

• Conserving the dinosaur models

• Conserving the sphinxes and south terrace steps

• Conserving the Paxton basin and improving surroundings

• Returning parking site in central area back to parkland

• Removing parking from central axis

• Removing turnstiles from central axis

• Renovating concert platform to be a functioning venue

• Restoring existing café

• The creation of a new skate park

For more information about how to apply for funding visit the council website