A BUSINESS association is calling for an Eden Project-style development to be built on the top site of Crystal Palace Park.

The City Growth Board (CGB), which has consulted with more than 3,000 businesses across south London, says there is strong support for the plans because of the economic boost it would give.

The board was set up as part of the London Development Agency (LDA)-funded, Heart of South London City Growth project.

It says present LDA proposals, put out to public consultation over the past few months, focus on the residents when they could do much for business in the area.

The LDA has suggested several options for the top site, including a piazza with five-storey buildings on either side, including flats, retail outlets and cafes.

The future of the top site at the Norwood Triangle has sparked controversy with traders wanting development with members of the Crystal Palace Community Association campaigning against.

The CGB wants to build an Eden Project similar to the one in Cornwall, which is a large crater with two plant-filled greenhouses.

It would include a permanent exhibition and education centre of "horticulture specialising in the urban environment".

Board chairman David Main said: "The present vision lacks a grandness Joseph Paxton (designer of the Crystal Palace) would recognise.

"The history of the park is built on vision, new technology, industry, excellence and appeals to an international audience.

"Now is not the time to be timid. It is the time to establish a plan of which Paxton himself would have been proud."

The board wants the LDA to look at the idea and put it out to consultation with the community.

An LDA spokesman said: "We have not ruled out anything and will look at any proposal on its merit. But Bromley Council's planning department will have the final say."

CENTRE DETAILS

The project would include a permanent exhibition and education centre similar to Kew Gardens.

It would specialise in plants and flowers for urban London.

This would draw tourists and businesses such as architects, graphic designers, landscapers and construction companies to the declining area, including Penge High Street.

The board's vision includes:

A conference centre, possibly built underground

An underground car park beneath a terrace

Replacing the existing bus garage in Crystal Palace Parade with a smaller structure, homes and landscaping, similar to the Horniman Museum and gardens in Forest Hill

Arts and entertainment shows, similar to those held at Cornwall's Eden Project, to fund the site