The park will stay open throughout the regeneration projects, but you will notice changes to your usual routes and favourite spots. As this is a large and complex project, schedules may change. We’ll keep this page updated with key dates and details to help you plan your visit. All works are expected to be completed by summer 2026.
Key areas and timelines
Dinosaurs and Tidal Lakes (map point 10)
11 July 2025 to December 2025
- Footpaths around the Dinosaurs and Tidal Lakes will be closed for about 7 months.
- Construction hoardings will affect your access and views, but there will still be alternative walking routes between Crystal Palace station and Penge Gate.
Italian Terraces (map points 1-5)
Mid-July 2025 to June 2026
- Closed for approximately 11 months for major restoration.
- Works include the creation of new step-free, accessible routes.
Picnic area near the cafe (map point 8)
9 June 2025 onwards
- Permanently closed to make way for the new dinosaur-themed playground.
Grand Centre Walk (map point 7)
December 2025 to April 2026
- 4-month project to improve footpath quality and prevent flooding.
- Expect increased construction traffic before December.
- The current Information Centre will be hoarded off and demolished ahead of the new Visitor Centre build.
Close up of the Tidal Lakes area of the park
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Footpaths and gate closures
Dinosaurs and Tidal Lakes (map point 10)
Closed from end of June to December 2025.
- Access remains between Crystal Palace station and Penge Gate.
Thicket Road Gate (map point C)
Closed from 11 July to December 2025.
- Nearest alternative: Penge Gate
Sydenham Gate (map point E)
Closed from 20 May October 2025.
- Nearest alternatives: Fisherman’s Gate or The Vale.
Car park closures
Sydenham Gate car park (map point E)
Closed from 30 May 2025 to July 2026.
- Nearest alternative: Penge Gate car park.
- All other car parks remain open as usual.
Other major works
Sydenham Gate Lodge
- Demolition, and construction of the new maintenance depot (map point 9) starts on 30 May 2025
Information Centre
-Demolition, and construction of the new Visitor Centre (map point 6) starts on 23 June 2025.
What’s coming
This exciting regeneration project will breathe new life into the park, including:
- Restoration of the 30 Grade I-listed Dinosaur sculptures and their surrounding Tidal Lakes.
- A new dinosaur-themed playground for kids of all ages
- Restoration of the Grade II-listed Italian Terraces.
- Two new step-free routes from the centre of the park to Crystal Palace Parade.
- A new Visitor Centre, and a new maintenance facility for the grounds maintenance team
- A new feature entrance at Penge Gate.
- Improved footpaths, lighting and wayfinding around the Tidal Lakes and Italian Terraces.
- Sustainable drainage systems in key areas of the park to improve water management.
- New meadows, paleo-inspired planting and wildlife friendly shrubs will create rich habitats.
