Crystal Palace Subway to reopen after £3.5m revamp

Crystal Palace Subway, a Victorian structure dating back to 1865, is set to reopen to the public on Saturday (September 21), after a major £3.5 million restoration project over the past few years.

This comes after major funding from the City of London Strategic Investment Pot, Historic England and various other donations, and involved major roof repairs and restorations to the Grade II* listed structure.

Crystal Palace Subway is set to reopen to the public after a major £3.5 million restoration project. (Image: Bromley Council) The structure is an important landmark in south east London and is known to be the most substantial survivor of the Crystal Palace fire that destroyed much of the complex in 1936.

It was later used as an air raid shelter during World War II, before being used as a hangout space, and even appeared in The Chemical Brothers’ 1995 Setting Sun music video.

Alongside the new roof over the East Courtyard, the project also involved extensive repair work to the walls, floor, steps and entrances that has “breathed new life” into the Victorian subway, and was carried out by architects Thomas Ford & Partners and conservation specialists DBR Limited.

The structure is known to be the most substantial survivor of the Crystal Palace fire that destroyed much of the complex in 1936. (Image: Bromley Council)
Lord Mendoza, Historic England Chairman, said: “The subway’s restoration has been a labour of love.

“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.”

The subway’s restoration also serves as an integral part of Bromley Council’s wider £52 million Regeneration Plan for Crystal Palace Park, which involves restoration of the Italian Terraces and iconic Dinosaurs.

The subway’s restoration also serves as an integral part of Bromley Council’s wider £52 million Regeneration Plan for Crystal Palace Park. (Image: Bromley Council)

Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: “This is the incredible moment that we have all been waiting for as this beautifully restored marvel of history is unveiled in an incredible milestone for our regeneration plan to transform the park.

“Much like the Victorian passengers who once used it, visitors to the subway will now be guided into a new era for this incredible park, with this astounding restoration providing a glimpse into the park’s bright future.”

The council confirmed that future funding and investments will later be sought to facilitate a “full transformation” of the historic structure over the coming years.

The subway, now managed by the Crystal Palace Park Trust, is set to open to the pubic as part of the Open House Festival on Saturday (September 21) from 10am until 2pm.

The subway, now managed by the Crystal Palace Park Trust, is set to open to the pubic as part of the Open House Festival on Saturday (September 21). (Image: Bromley Council) 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.”