AN EXPERT on the history of Crystal Palace is campaigning for sections of the building to be reconstructed with replica parts on its former site.

John Greatrax, 52, who was born in the Crystal Palace area but now lives in Peterborough, is the founder and original chairman of the Crystal Palace Foundation.

He got the idea last summer after working as an advisor for a BBC documentary, What the Victorians Did for Us, which replicated the original Crystal Palace in Hyde Park.

Parts of the replica, which were created by craftsman Dominic Grosvenor, were displayed in an exhibition last week, alongside work by local schoolchildren.

Mr Greatrax said: "I think a lot of people would like to see the site in its original glory.

"The cost of the replica in Hyde Park was £30,000 and the parts from that are doing nothing at the moment.

"I don't know whether we could do it all at once, or whether just some would have to be built as a token.

But I'm sure it could be privately funded. The Globe was rebuilt through sponsorship."

Bromley Council leader Councillor Michael Tickner rejected the idea but said he hoped to see the site developed and is open to suggestions.

He said: "I think a rebuild would be too big a project. The old Crystal Palace was massive and whatever we build needs to be commercially viable, which was one of the problems the old building had.

"I would be interested in hearing suggestions from developers and the community, as the site has planning permission.

"The question is what shall we build and who will pay for it."

Cllr Tickner is due to meet with members of the Crystal Palace Campaign in January to visit an East-End park to discuss ideas.

Labour Councillor Peter Fookes said: "Realistically I don't think we will see any development there of any sort for the next 30 years.

"It would be nice to see something done on site, though."

A multiplex cinema was going to be developed on the top site but the plan fell through in the wake of local opposition, this year.

What do you think should happen to the site? Write to the News Shopper at Mega House, Crest View Drive, Petts Wood, Orpington, BR5 1BT or letters@london.newsquest.co.uk

December 19, 2001 11:30