Work is now live on site for the current phase of the regeneration plan, with major restoration activity to iconic heritage assets, as well as transformative infrastructure upgrades. Works will last 15 months with completion due in late Summer 2026.
This current phase of the regeneration plan is a multi-million pound investment that will restore many of the park’s original Victorian features.
The detailed designs, made possible thanks to a Development grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, have been developed by HTA Design LLP, an award-winning inter-disciplinary design practice, and gained full planning permission in June 2024.
Preserving the past
The development of the proposals for the ‘Geological Court’ – the area of land where Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins’ prehistoric dinosaur sculptures reside – was made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The evolution of the plans benefitted greatly from ongoing research by Historic England, in partnership with Bromley Council, the Friends of Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs and Crystal Palace Park Trust. This work includes new scanning, material analysis and archival research being undertaken to develop a holistic repair strategy and ongoing maintenance plan for the internationally important dinosaurs.
Digital 3D scans produced as part of this work by Historic England and the Friends of Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs can be viewed here.
Once the restoration is complete, the Grade I listed dinosaurs will once again be removed from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register and these spectacular creatures will continue to intrigue and fascinate many more generations to come.
The Italian Terraces, which fell into disrepair after the Crystal Palace was destroyed by fire on 30 November 1936, will also be restored and upgraded and there are plans to improve to the lower part of the ‘Paxton Axis’ – the canopied walkway near Penge gate, known as the Grand Centre Walk.
Fit for the future
The plans will also create a new Visitor Centre and a dinosaur-themed playground.
The work to date has been a collaborative effort between Bromley Council, Crystal Palace Park Trust and HTA Design, with park users and local groups also having their say.
The goal of the regeneration project is to future proof our park and ensure it thrives as a beautiful, inclusive and sustainable space for generations to come.
The plans for the park are separate to plans for the National Sports Centre, which has its own regeneration plan. However, we remain in regular consultation with each other to ensure that our plans support and respond to each other.
