The Italian Terraces regeneration

The Italian Terraces regeneration

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The Terrace walls, balustrades, and steps are being carefully repaired to protect them from further decay. These works will help preserve the historic character of the Terraces. The repairs to the Terraces will be honest and sensitive to retain the historic character.

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What used to be here?

Initially designed by Sir Joseph Paxton for the 1851 Great Exhibition in Hyde Park, the Palace was moved to Sydenham Hill in 1852 where Paxton developed Penge Common into a large Victorian theme park. The Italian Terraces, a key feature of the pleasure grounds around the Palace, were laid out in a grand, formal style reflecting Victorian sophistication. The Terraces originally featured more than 100 specially commissioned statues and Versailles-inspired fountains powered by two great water towers, designed by the pioneering engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. After the Palace was destroyed by a fire in 1936, the park had a variety of uses including as a training ground for the Royal Navy during WWI, and as a refugee camp in WWII. Outside of wartime need, and without a consensus about what the site of the former Palace should become, the Terraces slowly fell into disrepair.

What is happening to the Terraces?

After standing for over 170 years, the Grade II Listed Terraces are on Historic England’s At Risk Register and there is an urgent need to restore them.

Works taking place behind the fences will:
- Restore stonework across all Terrace walls, balustrades and steps 
- Introduce step-free access to the Terraces 
- Relocate the Paxton Bust to the Terraces, closer to its original location 
- Improve below ground drainage to help prevent further structural damage to the Terraces 
- Deliver new wildflower meadows and planting

Accessibility improvements

A new ramp will provide a step-free route from Stone Penge and the Terrace Straight up onto the Lower Terraces. A second, gently sloping path will be created within the landscape to provide an accessible link from the Lower Terraces to the Upper Terraces.

Planting improvements

The planting strategy preserves the current open character of the Terraces while enhancing biodiversity and seasonal interest. The meadows are designed to attract bees and butterflies and will showcase colours inspired by the original Victorian planting palette. Space for play and picnics is provided across the Terraces, while the semi-circular lawns along the Grand Centre Walk create space for year-round recreation.

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