Crystal Palace may rise from its ashes

Proposals for a reconstructed Crystal Palace are being discussed by Bromley council.

The building will occupy the same location as the original palace, which burned down in 1936, and will cost £250 million. It is being put forward by architect Ray Hall, who says he has an interested developer who wishes to remain anonymous at this stage.

Mr Hall hopes the building will provide a space for the London Butterfly House, which used to be in Syon Park in Brentford but closed, with the creatures relocated to Lincolnshire.

Mr Hall said: "Rising like a phoenix from the foundations, this New Crystal Palace would be at the cutting edge of sustainability by generating its own electricity through solar and related technologies." The building, an artist's impression of which is on the left, will be made of steel and photovoltaic glass, which has integrated solar panels and is expected to produce enough power to heat and light 10,000 local homes.

The plans include a hotel, concert space, restaurants, ski slope, cinemas and an Olympic-standard pool and sports centre. Mr Hall hopes to lay the foundation stone on 30 November 2011, the 75th anniversary of the burning of the second Crystal Palace.