A bandstand where David Bowie once performed is one step closer to reaching its former glory after the restoration of its crown.
The Croydon Road Recreation Ground Bandstand in Beckenham has seen the completion of a key stage of its refurbishment.
The bandstand's crown, damaged over its 100-year history, has been restored to its original state with the help of Heritage of London Trust's (HOLT) grant funding.
The damage has been repaired by specialists AF Starr Limited, who welded new pieces onto the bandstand's original crown.
The 'crowning' marks the first step in a £245,000 project to restore the Grade II listed Edwardian bandstand.
The project will cover all areas, from the intricate ironwork and fencing to new signage and upgraded lighting fit for performances.
The restoration will stick to the original Edwardian colour scheme of dark brown and buff.
Also planned are landscaping improvements, a brick pathway of personalised bricks, and rainwater dispersal materials on the roof.
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Councillor Will Rowlands, Executive Councillor for Environment at Bromley Council, said: "This exciting work is beginning to take shape for all to see, which has only happened with the support of so many.
"I’d like to sincerely thank Heritage of London Trust for their support and additional grant as well as their original monies.
"Thank you and congratulations should also go to Bowie’s Beckenham Oddity and other Bowie fans who are supporting this work, along with the many community fundraisers, and all of those who have bought a bandstand brick and of course the Friends of Croydon Road Recreation Ground."
Dr Nicola Stacey, Director of Heritage of London Trust, added: "This is a one-off opportunity to restore a bandstand of significant cultural importance and it is vital that it looks as splendid as possible.
"We have been delighted to support the conservation work and see the whole corona gilded.
"Through our engagement work in HOLT’s Proud Places programme local young people have been involved in each exciting stage of the project and particularly loved the gilding process."
Built in 1905 by McCallum and Hope Ltd of Glasgow, the bandstand is expected to see its restoration work completed in spring 2024.
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Known for its quality design and intricate iron work, the bandstand in Beckenham gained historical significance after David Bowie performed there in the 1969 Summer Growth Festival.
On the advice of Historic England, the bandstand was listed in 2019.
The restoration project marks a new chapter in the bandstand's history, helped by the collective efforts of Bowie fans, community fundraisers and contributions from the London Borough of Bromley and HOLT - all totalling nearly £200,000.
The conservation plan was developed in association with stakeholders and Purcell Architecture Limited, the appointed conservation consultant.
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