Plans for a major transformation of Crystal Palace Park have been approved, with a significant £17.5 million investment earmarked for the project. The renovation will focus on restoring the iconic Grade I-listed dinosaur sculptures and enhancing the park’s historical and ecological features. This extensive makeover is spearheaded by HTA Design, renowned for their work on the Queen Elizabeth II memorial gardens in Regent’s Park.
Revitalization of Victorian Features
The regeneration project aims to breathe new life into the park’s original Victorian features, which were designed by Sir Joseph Paxton in the 1850s. The refurbishment will include a detailed restoration of the Geological Court, home to the park’s famous 30 dinosaur sculptures. To complement these prehistoric monuments, the landscape will undergo significant changes: overgrown vegetation and sediment will be cleared to reveal original features, and new rock outcrops, gravel formations, and paleo-inspired planting will be introduced.
Restoration of Iconic Elements
The Italian Terraces, which fell into disrepair following the destruction of the Crystal Palace by fire in 1936, are also set to be restored and upgraded. The makeover promises to enhance accessibility and modernize amenities throughout the park.
Statements from Key Figures
Natalia Roussou, landscape design director at HTA Design, highlighted the importance of the project: “This is a significant milestone for the Crystal Palace Park Regeneration, not only for restoring its original features but also for creating a park for the future that is climate resilient, biodiverse, inclusive, and can cater to a wide range of events and activities. The Phase 1 proposals will celebrate the Geological Court and Italian Terraces, revealing the layers of history in the landscape and re-establishing an international destination for education and entertainment in line with Paxton’s vision. The landscape design approach maximizes park ecosystem service benefits and prioritizes accessibility to ensure that the park can be enjoyed by all.”
Timeline and Community Impact
Restoration work is scheduled to commence in early 2025, though a specific completion date has not yet been announced. Victoria Pinnington, Chief Executive of Crystal Palace Park Trust, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “Our local community has long been aware of quite how special this park is. Once the works are completed, the Trust looks forward to sharing the story of ‘the world’s first theme park’ and welcoming many more people to this corner of south London in the years to come.”
Preview of the Renovated Park
Pictures of the planned renovations showcase a revitalized Crystal Palace Park, offering a glimpse of what visitors can expect once the project is completed. For more details on the full renovation plans, visit the project’s online resources.