Restoration works on the historic Crystal Palace Subway can soon begin after the contract was awarded to conservation specialists.
The contract to restore the Grade II* listed subway has been awarded to DBR Limited following the recent Executive decision, with valued partners Historic England and the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway sitting on the panel that assessed the applicants.
The restoration works, estimated at £3.2m, will include rebuilding existing walls and the construction of a new roof over the courtyard.
Councillor Peter Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said: “I am delighted to see the essential restoration of this marvellous Victorian treasure progressing and thank our valued partners for their support in reaching this stage. It is amazing to think that this elegant subway helped visitors to the great Crystal Palace stay dry all those years ago and remains a breath-taking structure that we are now pleased to bring back to life to enable more people to enjoy for many years to come.”
The restoration works will see the repair of the Victorian subway, including the rebuilding of existing walls, construction of new parapet walls, and a roof structure. The proposed new roof will be visible from Crystal Palace Parade, with the subway exterior being made from glass and stainless steel, and the gable enclosed with Corten steel.
Adrian Attwood, Executive Director at DBR Limited, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the contract for this important project and are now eager to commence on site. As conservation specialists with over 30 years’ experience, we will be undertaking this conservation with the utmost care, so this impressive structure is fit for the 21st Century.”
The estimated £3.2m cost of restoring the subway follows successful grant allocations of £2.34m from the City of London Strategic Investment Pot and an additional £639k from Historic England. Contributions to the works are also coming from the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway.
Simon Buteux, Partnerships Team Leader at Historic England, said: “It is incredibly important that this structure of such local and historic importance is preserved, and we are delighted to have been able to support this restoration, both with specialist advice and funding. These works have been carefully considered to ensure the essence of the subway is maintained while allowing the venue to again be used by the local community.”
The subway first opened in 1865 and is located to the edge of Crystal Palace Park under the Crystal palace Parade and is one of the last original Crystal Palace structures and is much loved by the community, with its own dedicated friends’ group.
A spokesperson for the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, said: " after over 10 years of working with the community, businesses and amazing volunteers it is fantastic to reach this next milestone in an exciting project. It has been a rewarding experience collaborating with Bromley Council on this project and we look forward to being able to use the magnificent subway again following its completion.”
London Borough of Southwark continue to be involved in the restoration project. A planning application covering restoration works to small parts of the subway that lie within the borough of Southwark has also been submitted to the council.
Ends
Editors’ notes –
For more information visit www.Bromley.gov.uk/CrystalPalaceSubway
Repair Grants for Heritage at Risk , Historic England gives grants for the repair and conservation of listed buildings, scheduled monuments and registered parks and gardens. This includes project development actions which enable repair or improved future management. Our Heritage at Risk programme protects and manages the historic environment. The public body works with owners, friends groups, developers and other stakeholders to find solutions for ‘at risk’ historic places and sites across England.
For media enquiries, please contact James George, public affairs, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk