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£3M restoration on 156-year-old Crystal Palace Subway ‘well underway’

The subway first opened in 1865 and is located on the edge of Crystal Palace Park under the Crystal Palace Parade / Images: Bromley Council
The subway first opened in 1865 and is located on the edge of Crystal Palace Park under the Crystal Palace Parade / Images: Bromley Council

Restoration work on the historic Crystal Palace Subway is now well underway according to Bromley Council.

Regeneration of the Victorian Subway has estimated costs of £3m which will fund the rebuilding of existing walls, construction of new parapet walls, and a roof structure.

The subway first opened in 1865 and is located on the edge of Crystal Palace Park under the Crystal Palace Parade.

It has fallen into disrepair over decades, ending up on Historic England’s "at risk" register.

Plans to restore the Crystal Palace subway were unanimously approved on January 11.

News Shopper:  Images: Bromley Council
News Shopper: Images: Bromley Council

Images: Bromley Council

It is one of the last original Crystal Palace structures and Bromley Council says it is “much loved by the community.”

It even has its own dedicated Friends’ group which coordinated a community-led initiative to make access to Crystal Palace Subway safer and to open it for community use.

The subway's new exterior will be made from glass and stainless steel and the gable enclosed with Corten steel.

Funding for the project has been provided Historic England, the City of London Strategic Investment Pot and contributions from the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway.

The east Courtyard has had timber frames constructed to allow for further works to soon commence on the subway’s arches and barrel vault.

In Autumn, work will commence on a new courtyard roof for the Victorian subway, which will be visible from Crystal Palace Parade.

The restoration works on the Grade II* listed structure are being carried out by contractors DBR Limited, who were appointed by Bromley council earlier this year.

Partners on the project include Historic England and Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, who have been involved throughout this special project.

The London Borough of Southwark continues to be a project partner for the subway restoration.

News Shopper:  Images: Bromley Council
News Shopper: Images: Bromley Council

Images: Bromley Council

Bromley councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said: “This stunning Victorian structure really demonstrates the incredible international importance of this historic Park, through the glimpse it gives us into the former Crystal Palace and the amazing experience visitors would have had upon entering the park when it first opened.

“I am delighted that the specialist restoration works are now well underway and a big thank you to our valued partners for their support in getting us to this point.

“I look forward to seeing the subway returned back to use in these magnificent surroundings, which is just one aspect of the council’s vision to regenerate this beloved park.”

Ian Harper, Heritage at Risk Architect at Historic England, said: “It is very pleasing that, working with the London Borough of Bromley and their funding partners, we are now repairing this remarkable surviving subway and ticketing hall.

“Skilled craftsmen and apprentices will see the Victorian brickwork restored and roof replaced to create a new sustainable facility in the park for enjoyment by the local community.”

A spokesperson for the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway said: "Ten years ago, the 'friends' organised their first open event at the subway, supported by Bromley Council.

“The backing from local communities and businesses along with volunteer support over the last decade has been central to the success of this project.

“It will be an emotional moment for a great many people to see the subway restored to a usable condition."

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