A campaign to revitalise an outdoor venue in Crystal Palace Park which held Bob Marley’s final London gig has received an £18,000 grant from the Mayor.
The Crystal Palace Bowl, established in 1961, has a long history of hosting eclectic live performances ranging from the Sex Pistols to The Proms.
Over the last decade it has remained largely unused and fallen into a state of repair, becoming known affectionately as the ‘rusty laptop.’
The community campaign, which has already raised more than £50,000 through a Crowdfunder, has now secured an additional chunk of funding from City Hall following a successful pitch.
Justine Simons OBE – Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries: “Culture is London’s DNA and new creative ideas will be vital in supporting our capital’s recovery from the pandemic.
“We’re committed to supporting innovators and community organisers to help rebuild our city, and through Make London I’m proud that we are funding important projects, like Back the Bowl, to boost their local area.”
The pledge comes from the Make London fund, which made £500,000 to creative, locally led proposals that bring people together, improve public spaces and support community hubs and high streets.
Val Shawcross CBE - Chair, Crystal Palace Park Trust: “Crystal Palace Park Trust and all the volunteers who have helped with the campaign are hugely grateful to the hundreds of supporters who have backed the revival of Crystal Palace Park Concert Bowl, including now, London’s own Mayor Sadiq Khan."
Famously home to the ‘Garden Party’ events throughout the 1970’s and early 80’s, the Bowl brought the Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, Elton John and Bob Marley to Crystal Palace.
The steel structure was designed by Ian Ritchie Architects, in 1997, winning numerous awards and a nomination for the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize.
The first step of renovation will be to resurface the large stage floor area with a durable new timber decking and undertake essential maintenance works in the back-of-house structure.
The project is being led by Crystal Palace Park Trust, a charitable organisation working with Bromley Council to shape a sustainable long-term future for Crystal Palace Park.
To view the Crowdfunder visit: https://www.spacehive.com/crystalpalacebowl
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