Work is set to begin on the restoration of Crystal Palace Subway, a Victorian underpass and the remaining structure which formed a route between the now demolished Crystal Palace High Level Station and the Palace itself.
The subway restoration project, for which it has closed, will be carried out by heritage construction contractors DBR Ltd.
The estimated £3.2m cost of restoring the Subway follows successful grant allocations of £2.34m from the City of London Strategic Investment Pot and an additional £639k from Historic England. Contributions to the works are also coming from the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, a charity which looks after and runs tours within the location when open.
DBR said the restoration works are to begin shortly on the Grade II* listed subway. Work will include rebuilding existing walls and the construction of a new roof over the courtyard.
The proposed roof will be visible from Crystal Palace Parade, with the subway exterior being made from glass and stainless steel, and the gable enclosed with Corten steel.
Councillor Peter Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said: “It is amazing to think that this elegant subway helped visitors to the great Crystal Palace stay dry all those years ago and remains a breath-taking structure that we are now pleased to bring back to life to enable more people to enjoy for many years to come.”
Simon Buteux, Partnerships Team Leader at Historic England, added: “It is incredibly important that this structure of such local and historic importance is preserved, and we are delighted to have been able to support this restoration, both with specialist advice and funding.
“These works have been carefully considered to ensure the essence of the Subway is maintained while allowing the venue to again be used by the local community.”
A spokesperson for the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, said: “After over 10 years of working with the community, businesses and amazing volunteers, it is fantastic to reach this next milestone in an exciting project. It has been a rewarding experience collaborating with Bromley Council on this project and we look forward to being able to use the magnificent subway again following its completion.”
London Borough of Southwark continue to be involved in the restoration project. A planning application covering restoration works to small parts of the subway that lie within the borough of Southwark has also been submitted to the Council.
