The iconic Crystal Palace Subway, a Grade II* listed structure in South London, has entered a new chapter after a major restoration project, just in time for its 160th anniversary in 2025. The beautifully restored Victorian subway, once part of the grand Crystal Palace complex, has been given a fresh lease of life with extensive repairs to its walls, floors, steps, and entrances, along with a brand-new glazed roof.
The Crystal Palace Subway, built in 1865, is the largest surviving structure from the original Crystal Palace, which tragically burned down in 1936. Known for its elegant red and yellow brickwork and intricate design, the subway originally served as a passageway for first-class passengers arriving at the now-demolished High Level Station, providing them a direct route into the Crystal Palace.
A Key Part of the Regeneration Plan
The restoration of the subway is a crucial component of Bromley Council’s ongoing £52 million Regeneration Plan for Crystal Palace Park. Historic England played a pivotal role in the project, offering expert advice, while architects Thomas Ford & Partners and conservation specialists DBR Limited oversaw the restoration work. The revitalized space will now be managed by the Crystal Palace Park Trust, a community-led organization that has taken on the custodianship of the park.
Victoria Pinnington, Chief Executive of the Crystal Palace Park Trust, expressed her excitement about the completion of the restoration: “The Subway’s restoration is a wonderful gift, marking the one-year anniversary of our custodianship of this historic landscape. The dedication of the local community, particularly the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, was instrumental in making this dream a reality.”
The £3.5 million project was funded through various sources, including the City of London’s Strategic Investment Pot, more than £1 million from Historic England, and generous donations from the public. The Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, a local group that has campaigned for the subway’s revival for over a decade, also played a significant role in securing funding and community support.
A Hidden Gem of Victorian Architecture
The Crystal Palace Subway is one of the few surviving remnants of Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace, originally constructed for the Great Exhibition of 1851 in Hyde Park before being relocated to Sydenham Hill in 1854. The subway was designed by Charles Barry Jr., the son of the architect responsible for the Houses of Parliament, and has been admired for its impressive craftsmanship and design. The red and yellow brick arches, ironwork, and elegant staircases make the subway a striking example of Victorian architecture.
The subway has a rich history beyond its original use. During World War II, it served as an air raid shelter, protecting local residents from bombings. In the years following the war, it became a popular local hangout and occasionally hosted community events. It even appeared in the music video for The Chemical Brothers’ hit “Setting Sun” in 1996.
The subway’s national importance was recognized in 2018 when its listing was upgraded to Grade II*, solidifying its place as a historic treasure. Its transformation into a vibrant venue for the community is seen as a significant milestone in the broader efforts to regenerate Crystal Palace Park.
Open to the Public Once Again
For the first time in years, visitors will soon be able to experience the restored subway firsthand. The Crystal Palace Park Trust will open the doors to the public as part of Open House Festival on Saturday, 21 September 2024, from 10:00 to 14:00. This event will offer a rare opportunity to step inside the newly restored space and learn more about its history.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation, and Housing, highlighted the importance of the restoration, saying: “This beautifully restored marvel of history marks an incredible milestone in our regeneration plan for the park. Visitors will now be guided into a new era for Crystal Palace, with the subway’s revival offering a glimpse into the park’s bright future as we continue to celebrate and protect its remarkable history.”
A Broader Vision for Crystal Palace Park
The restoration of the Crystal Palace Subway is just one part of the ambitious regeneration plans for Crystal Palace Park. The park itself is a Grade II* listed landscape and is home to several historic features, including the famous Grade I listed Dinosaur sculptures and the Italian Terraces with their Egyptian-style Sphinxes.
The next phase of the park’s regeneration will focus on restoring the Italian Terraces and the Dinosaur sculptures, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and additional funding from the sale of nearby residential developments. Planning approval for these next steps was recently granted, and work is expected to begin soon.
As this historic site continues to be transformed, the subway will serve as a unique venue for community events, exhibitions, and other activities, breathing new life into one of London’s most beloved green spaces.
For those eager to witness the subway’s restoration and explore its Victorian splendor, the Open House Festival event offers a rare and exciting chance to step into the past, while looking forward to the future of this remarkable London landmark.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.