(R29) CRYSTAL PALACE CAMPAIGN - IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE - 10 July 2000

PUBS, CLUBS, EATERIES, BOWLING AND BOOZER GALORE
REVEALED IN SHOCK MULTIPLEX LICENCE POLANS

A far wider range of activities than the 18 cinema screens announced for the Crystal Palace multiplex has been revealed in the follow up to the developer’s application for 14 liquor licences.

The Crystal Palace Campaign has learned from informed sources something the public is not entitled to know until the July 21 hearing at Bromley Court -- namely that the licenses would be for six pubs, three restaurants, three cafe/bar restaurants, a ten-pin bowling alley and a membership-only health and fitness club.

Solicitors' notices of the 14 separate "unit" licence applications, by London & Regional Properties Director Geoff Springer, were taken down from fences around Crystal Palace Park after being exhibited for no more than the statutory seven days. They also appeared in local press advertisements.

However the public were no wiser as to the use to which the licences would be put, nor were would-be objectors entitled to study the licence applications, according to a spokeswoman for Bromley Magistrates' Court. Even the Campaign, which is seeking to challenge the applications in court, has so far been refused access to the documents. But now the Campaign can lift the curtain partially on what is being surreptitiously planned.

CPC Chairman Philip Kolvin commented:

“There is no longer even a pretence at building something of community or cultural value. This is a lager-driven profit machine which, if permitted, will obliterate the character of the Park as a resource for the children of this community and alter the character of our residential area forever. The Campaign will resist these exploitative applications and we are hopeful that the Bromley Justices will uphold our opposition when they decide this matter in court.”

Press Officer: Fred Emery 020 8761 0076 Mobile: 0794 117 2023
All correspondence to: Hon Secretary, 33 HogarthCourt, Fountain Drive, London SE19 1UY
Recorded Information: 020 8653 5995 E-mail: fred@syre.demon.co.uk Website: www.crystal.dircon.co.uk

10 JULY 2000 Last updated 10 JULY 2000