Crystal Pal-ice Park gets its skates on for Christmas 2005

(Please note there is no ice skating rink in 2006.)

South Londoners are being urged to get their skates on this Christmas (2005) at an outdoor ice rink on the famous Crystal Palace Park.

The London Development Agency (LDA) is teaming up with Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to open the rink on the site of the old Crystal Palace from Saturday 10 December 2005 to Sunday 8 January. Central London is set to have an unprecedented number of outdoor rinks this festive season and today's announcement ensures South London won't miss out.

The LDA, which is currently consulting on £100m worth of proposals for improving Crystal Palace Park, said the ice rink is a key part of the drive to increase the number of events bringing people into the park. Local schools will each be offered some free tickets to give to pupils for pre-Christmas festivities.

Valerie Shawcross, London Assembly member for Lambeth and Southwark, said: "Londoners will really be taking to the ice this winter, and it's fantastic to see that South Londoners will get a rink of their own. Crystal Palace Park is such an important space for the area, but it is very under-used. This will be an excellent opportunity to skate on the site of the old palace with tremendous views across the capital, and I hope it will attract people from far and wide."

Kingswood Primary School head teacher Craig Tunstall said: "It's a great opportunity for our children to have the chance to go ice skating in Crystal Palace Park. It is really exciting for an outdoor ice-rink to be so local, so they can just walk up the road instead of going to central London."

The LDA's consultation on the park's future is running until 20 December 2005. More than 5,000 people have already viewed the proposals at either the exhibitions held in the park or at one of the nearby roadshows. The proposals are designed to act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the surrounding area, including projects such as the business-led city growth initiative. The proposals and an online questionnaire can also be viewed at www.crystalpalacepark.org.uk.

Notes to Editors:

The London Development Agency is the Mayor's agency for business and jobs. The LDA prepares the Mayor's business plan for London and mobilises the support and resources of hundreds of partner organisations to help build a thriving economy for London's people, businesses and communities. The LDA is dedicated to improving sustainability, health and equality of opportunity for Londoners.

The ice rink area will include a viewing area and toilet facilities, a Fun Fair and a selection of catering outlets. Sessions begin on the hour from 10am and last for 45 minutes. Pre booked tickets are available for collection at the ice rink ticket office.

The rink will be on the top site of Crystal Palace Park, with pedestrian access via Crystal Palace Parade. Buses: 249, 3, 322, 417, 358, 432, 157, 450, 227, 122, 202, 363; train - Crystal Palace Station; and car parking available at the Paddock Car Park.