A new roof over the East Courtyard and extensive repairs to the walls, floor, steps and entrances have breathed new life into the Victorian subway. The structure dates from 1865 and is the most substantial survivor of the huge Crystal Palace complex which was dramatically lost to fire in 1936. 

The Subway’s restoration is a key element of Bromley Council’s wider Regeneration Plan for Crystal Palace Park. Historic England provided expert advice throughout the restoration, with Bromley Council appointing architects Thomas Ford & Partners and conservation specialists DBR Limited to transform the space. The Subway will now be run by Crystal Palace Park Trust, the new community-led custodian of the park.

The £3.5m project was funded through a number of sources, including from the City of London Strategic Investment Pot, more than £1m from Historic England, and generous donations from numerous individuals.

The repair and restoration project also benefited from significant local support spearheaded by the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, with the group collaborating closely with Bromley Council and Historic England over the last decade to see the site brought back into public use.

Further grant funding and investment will be sought in the coming years to enable the full transformation of the Crystal Palace Subway into an incredible venue.

‍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, as we continue to protect its remarkable history by pressing forward with our planned regeneration.”

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, said: “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.”

Karl Richter and Jules Hussey, Co-Founders of Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, said: “Fourteen years ago the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway began the journey to realise the reopening the Subway. Over the intervening years, countless individuals, groups, and local businesses in Crystal Palace have lent their support to this restoration project, whether through donating funds or their time by volunteering on open house days for the public. The support of Bromley Council and Historic England has been pivotal to the successful realisation of this new era for the Subway and we are indebted to all those in the surrounding communities who determinedly backed the project to reach this incredible point.”