§ Miss KirkbrideTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the progress of negotiations regarding the future of Crystal Palace sports facilities; and what role the Government have played in the negotiations. [157758]
§ Mr. CabornAs the hon. Member for Bromsgrove may be aware, it was announced on 25 February that Sport England, the Greater London Authority and the London borough of Bromley have between them secured the future of the National Sports Centre. Details of the re-development, and its timing, are yet to be finalised.
Sport England's lease will continue for a further two years. After that, the London Development Agency will take responsibility for the site. This will ensure that the Crystal Palace Grand Prix—the last major athletics event before the Athens Olympics—will take place this summer.
It has been agreed that Sport England, the Greater London Authority/London Development Agency and the London borough of Bromley will each pay one third of the maintenance costs for the first year of the agreement. After that, the London Development Agency will be solely responsible. This wi11 be the starting point for the modernisation of the whole of Crystal Palace Park.
The Government have remained close to all partners throughout discussions.