The restored Grand Centre Walk will provide more space for events, such as the weekly market, and offer shaded seating beneath the tree canopies.
Restoring the Grand Centre Walk
The Grand Centre Walk was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton to be the central route through the heart of the park, linking together its key areas. While it once ended near the Visitor Centre, it now stretches all the way to Penge Gate.
The restoration project will return the Grand Centre Walk to its original, wider width of 96 ft (29.26 m) while retaining the existing path and the London Plane trees near the Cricket Ground. A flexible, water permeable surface will be added around the trees, widening the walkway without disturbing their roots.
Key improvements
- New Visitor Centre
- New feature entrance at Penge Gate
- Grand Centre Walk to be widened
- Reconfiguration of car park to separate vehicle and pedestrian movement
- Improvements to accessibility through new and resurfaced pedestrian routes
- New dinosaur-themed play area
- Enhanced signage and wayfinding elements
New Entrance at Penge Gate
The existing narrow Penge Gate entrance will be refurbished to create a wider, more prominent gateway into the park, extending the geometric line of the Grand Centre Walk and preserving the strong symmetry of the original park design. This upgrade will provide a more welcoming, pedestrian-focused route into the park. The gate’s metalwork draws inspiration from the historic Crystal Palace’s architectural features, celebrating the park’s heritage. New entrance signage will enhance legibility and improve wayfinding for visitors.
Lighting improvements
The Grand Centre Walk is illuminated by the park’s existing lanterns, providing a warm and safe route from Penge Gate into the park.
Additional lanterns will fill any gaps, ensuring consistent lighting along the entire path. New lanterns will also be installed along key connecting paths, linking the Grand Centre Walk to the new play area, Penge Gate, and other important areas of the park.
These lights are designed to focus on the paths, keeping the park bright and safe while minimising light spill and impact on local wildlife.
