Major £22 Million Overhaul for Crystal Palace Park Set to Begin This Month

Crystal Palace Park in southeast London is set to undergo a significant £22 million transformation, with work starting on May 19. The ambitious project aims to restore the park’s historic features, including its iconic Grade I-listed dinosaur sculptures, while also adding new attractions for visitors.

Restoring a Victorian Legacy

The centerpiece of the project is the restoration of the park’s famous dinosaur sculptures, which date back to the 1850s. Created by renowned artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, these 29 life-sized figures were the first attempts in the world to model extinct animals based on fossil evidence. While often referred to as dinosaurs, only four of the sculptures are technically dinosaurs, with the rest representing ancient mammals, amphibians, and marine and flying reptiles.

New Visitor Centre and Dinosaur-Themed Playground

Alongside the dinosaur restoration, the project will include the construction of a new visitor centre and a dinosaur-themed playground, creating a more engaging experience for families. The park’s historic Grade II-listed Italian terraces will also be carefully restored, preserving the grandeur of the site’s Victorian heritage.

Sustainability at the Core

In addition to preserving the park’s historic features, the upgrade will include new meadows, wildlife-friendly shrubs, and sustainable drainage systems to enhance biodiversity and reduce the park’s environmental impact.

Park to Remain Open During Works

Despite the extensive work, the Crystal Palace Park Trust (CPPT) has confirmed that the park will remain open to visitors throughout the project. However, there will be some disruptions, including footpath diversions, temporary gate closures, and limited car park access. The park’s cafes, toilets, and popular boat hire facilities will remain open throughout the renovation.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The upgrade is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026, promising a refreshed, revitalized park for the millions of visitors who explore this historic green space each year.

For more information on the project and to stay updated on the latest developments, visitors can check the Crystal Palace Park Trust’s regeneration updates page.