A REPLICA of the Crystal Palace could be built by a Chinese billionaire as part of Crystal Palace Park's regeneration scheme.
It has been reported that Ni Zhaoxing and his developers ZhongRong Holdings have appointed engineers to develop proposals.
The famous exhibition centre, which was built in 1854, has left a huge hole in the park since it burned down in 1936.
A spokesman for the Mayor of London confirmed they had been approached by a potential developer, who is keen to redevelop a large section of the north side of the park.
He added: "Discussions between all parties remain at a very early feasibility stage, but the plans do not include any residential development.
"Any fully-formed proposal would of course be presented to the public for comment in order to build a consensus on the way forward."
Bromley Council, which maintains the park, is looking to help secure the park's viable long-term future. A council spokesman said the authority would explore all funding options, calling the park a "jewel in London's crown".
There have been a number of plans in recent years to redevelop the site, including a project by the London Development Agency to build new homes. A plan by Crystal Palace Football Club to build a 40,000-seater stadium on the site was also dropped after it met with opposition from Bromley Council and residents.
