Crystal Palace Subway Restoration Complete
The historic Crystal Palace Subway has finished its major restoration, just in time for its 160th anniversary, and will open to the public later this month (September).
The Victorian subway has been revitalised with a new roof and extensive repairs, thanks to significant funding and collaborative efforts.
The public will get its first glimpse of the transformed space during the Open House Festival on Saturday, 21 September, from 10:00am to 2pm.
This marks the beginning of the subway's transformation into a unique new venue.
The subway was designed and constructed by Italian cathedral specialists, its vaulted roof is supported by octagonal pillars faced with cream and terracotta bricks and tiling, which fan outwards as they climb to the ceiling.
Originally constructed in 1865, the Grade II* listed Crystal Palace Subway is one of the few surviving elements of the once-grand Crystal Palace complex, which was destroyed by fire in 1936.
The structure was also used as an air raid shelter during the Second World War and then became a local hangout and occasional community event space after the war.
In the war, it provided accommodation by ticket for 192 local people to sleep or for 360 to stand.
Following the war, the subway lay derelict for half a century, until a group of local enthusiasts called the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway (FCPS) formed in 2013.
They began exploring renovation options. In 2019, a £2.34m grant was secured from the City of London and £639,000 from Historic England, with FCPS chipping in £5,000.
In 2020, Thomas Ford & Partners was appointed as lead architect for the renovation and design of a new roof over the courtyard at the eastern end of the Grade II*-listed subway, with a view to turning this space into an events venue.
In 2022, Bromley council gave planning permission for the scheme and in February appointed heritage contractor DBR for the project.
The restoration work, now fully completed as of September 2024, has revitalised this important historical structure.
The restoration is a key component of Bromley Council’s broader Regeneration Plan for Crystal Palace Park.
Historic England provided expert guidance throughout the project, while architects Thomas Ford & Partners and conservation specialists DBR Limited were instrumental in the transformation.
Going forward, the Crystal Palace Park Trust, the newly appointed community-led custodian of the park, will manage the subway.
The £3.5 million project was financed through a combination of sources, including the City of London Strategic Investment Pot, over £1 million from Historic England, and generous donations from many individuals.
The Friends of Crystal Palace Subway played a crucial role in rallying local support and working with Bromley Council and Historic England over the past decade to bring the subway back into public use.
Additional funding and investment will be sought in the future to further develop the Crystal Palace Subway into an extraordinary venue.
The Crystal Palace Park Trust is excited to welcome visitors to this stunning space as part of the Open House Festival on Saturday, 21 September, from 10:00am to 2pm.
Victoria Pinnington, Chief Executive of Crystal Palace Park Trust said: “The completion of the subway restoration project couldn’t be a better gift to mark the one-year anniversary of the Trust’s custodianship of this incredible historic landscape.
”We would like to extend our gratitude to the passion, dedication and hard work of those in our local community who campaigned tirelessly, under the leadership of the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, for this restoration to happen.
”We can’t wait to open the doors and welcome people from our surrounding five boroughs, as well as those from further afield, to visit this beautiful space.”
Lord Mendoza, Historic England Chairman, added: “The subway’s restoration has been a labour of love.
”The rejuvenation of this extraordinary space was made possible by the determination of the local community and the commitment of partners and funders.
”I applaud those involved. Heritage brings people together and the subway, this beautiful example of Victorian construction, will do just that for many as a new venue in Crystal Palace.”
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