(P.40) Lager louts


Park could fill with lager louts

Beckenham & Bromley News Shopper - June 2000, by Chloe Hague

BOSSES behind the mammoth multiplex cinema development at Crystal Palace are being accused of turning the park into "lager louts" alley".

The allegation came after developer London & Regional Properties applied for 14 separate alcohol licences for the leisure park.

The company has pinned notices around the top site advertising their intentions.

Crystal Palace Campaign chairman Philip Kolvin said:

"No cinema needs 14 separate licences for the sale of alcohol. The developer obviously cares nothing for the risk of turning this unwanted multiplex into lager louts' alley, the biggest watering hole since Serengeti. It would be laughable were it not so serious. Atop this gigantic saloon is rooftop parking for 950 cars and the police will no doubt be alert to the drink-drive implications. It is one more reason why the multiplex must be halted."

The liquor notices were posted on June 27, in time for a Bromley Magistrates' Court hearing on July 21.

Bromley Council's chief executive, David Bartlett has welcomed the move. In a statement he said:

"We welcome these applications and London & Regional's commitment to move ahead with the new leisure development at Crystal Palace by the end of the year."

This latest twist has added to fears the construction of the multiplex may be imminent. In April, Anerley mother, Diane Barker, decided on court action against the development for a second time, after hearing construction was about to begin.


Multiplex dubbed lager louts' alley

Croydon Guardian - 13 July 2000, by Marcus Thornley

Bosses behind the mammoth multiplex cinema development at Crystal Palace are being accused of turning the park into "lager louts' alley".

The claim comes after developer London and Regional Properties applied for 14 separate alcohol licenses for the leisure park.

Campaigners say the controversial development will include a 13-screen (sic) multiplex, six pubs, six restaurants, a bowling alley and a fitness club at Crystal Palace Park - all with their own liquor licences.

Anti-multiplex pressure group, the Crystal Palace Campaign, has condemned the development as a "lager-driven profit machine".

The company has pinned notices around the top site advertising its intentions and sparking concerns that the development of the site is now imminent.

Crystal Palace Campaign chairman Philip Kolvin said:

"No cinema needs 14 separate licences for the sale of alcohol. The developer obviously cares nothing for the risk of turning this unwanted multiplex into lager louts' alley, the biggest watering hole since Serengeti. It would be laughable were it not so serious.

"Atop this gigantic saloon is roof-top parking for 950 cars, and the police will no doubt be alert to the drink-drive implications. It is one more reason why the multiplex must be halted."

The liquor notices were posted on June 27, in time for a Bromley Magistrates court hearing on July 21.

"There is no longer even a pretence at building something of community or cultural value," said Mr Kolvin. This is a lager-driven profit machine which 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."

Bromley Council's chief executive David Bartlett has welcomed the move. In a statement he said:

"We welcome these applications and London & Regional's commitment to move ahead with the new leisure development at Crystal Palace by the end of the year."

London and Regional were unavailable for comment.


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Last updated 2/07/00