Plans have been approved for the £17.75m next phase of the regeneration of the Grade II* listed Crystal Palace Park.
The plans will see the Grade I listed Geological Court – including the famous Dinosaur sculptures – restored in an enhanced landscape setting; a new dinosaur and geologically themed play area introduced; the restoration of the Grade II listed Italian Terraces; the creation of a new information centre and maintenance facility; in addition to other improvements to the park. Work is due to commence on site next year.
Natalia Roussou, landscape design director at HTA Design, which worked up the plans for the site, said: “This is a major step towards the regeneration of Crystal Palace Park, taking us closer to reimagining Britain’s parks as climate resilient, biodiverse and accessible spaces for all. By celebrating and protecting the site’s historic significance through the restoration and unearthing of its beautiful listed features, the proposals will re-establish one of London’s legacy parks as an international destination.”
Yvonne Bear, executive councillor for renewal, recreation and housing at Bromley Council, added: “I am delighted that our aspirations for the regeneration of the Crystal Palace Park have now had the necessary approvals and we can forge ahead with our vision for a revitalised green space for residents and visitors. The efforts of HTA Design, local groups and partners and Crystal Palace Park Trust have come to fruition in our bold heritage project about which we can be truly proud and which will benefit not only residents and visitors now but future generations to come.”
Victoria Pinnington, chief executive officer of Crystal Palace Park Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to have reached this major milestone in the history of Crystal Palace Park and the good news couldn’t be any more timely, with 2024 marking the 170th anniversary of the opening of this unique landscape. The regeneration works that have been approved are vital to ensuring that the park’s heritage assets are taken off the Heritage at Risk Register and protected for the benefit of generations to come.
“Our local community has long been aware of quite how special this park is. Once the works are completed, the trust looks forward to sharing the story of ‘the world’s first theme park’ and welcoming many more people to this corner of south London in the years to come.”
