Crystal Palace Park transformation begins - from iconic dinosaurs to Italian Terraces and wild meadows

The large-scale project will include the restoration of the 30 famous Grade-I listed dinosaur sculptures and their setting, the Tidal Lakes, as well as and the creation of a new dinosaur-themed playground, a new visitor centre and a new community centre and café.

It will also see the restoration of the Grade II-listed Italian Terraces, a new feature entrance at Penge Gate and new meadows which will feature paleo-inspired planting and wildlife friendly shrubs, helping to create new habitats.

Accessibility in the park is also being improved with the creation of two new step-free routes from the centre of the park to the top near Crystal Palace Parade, improved footpaths, lighting and wayfinding around the Tidal Lakes and Italian Terraces. Sustainable drainage systems are being introduced to key areas of the park to improve water management as well.

The entire project, which is being jointly delivered by Bromley Council and Crystal Palace Park Trust, is expected to be completed by autumn 2026 with various park improvements delivered sooner. The park will remain open to all visitors throughout the duration of the works.

Bromley Council’s executive councillor for renewal, recreation and housing Yvonne Bear said: “The new future for this park will start to unfold as we begin to breathe fresh life into prominent and beloved sites that capture the distinguished history of this incredible park.

“We have already had many successes for our regeneration plan, including the award-winning restoration of the subway and establishing the trust as custodians of the park. Sustained efforts, working with partners over a number of years have led to these upcoming works, as we secure the park’s history for generations to come.”

Crystal Palace Park Trust’s chief executive Victoria Pinnington said: “We can all look forward to a revitalised park, with its much-loved heritage features restored and protected, with better accessibility and improved information about the park’s history. We couldn’t be more pleased that this vital work is about to begin, to deliver all of this and more for our visitors.”

Last month, Bromley Council announced it had sold two plots of land adjacent to the park to housing association Clarion Housing Group for nearly £21.8 million. The two sites will be used to deliver 210 affordable homes, with all the money from the land sale going into the park regeneration project.