You may recall that earlier this year, we told you about a Victorian subway in Crystal Palace undergoing a monumental makeover, and giving Oasis a run for their money in the comeback-of-the-year department. Well, it just keeps on getting better for the South London subway, as it’s just received a highly sought-after National Railway Heritage award for its impressive restoration.
Hot on the heels of opening to the public for the first time in 14 years, the Crystal Palace subway was selected for the BAM Nuttall Partnership Award (an award that recognises and celebrates the collaborative approach towards restoration works). The freshly renovated Grade II* subterranean structure will receive a commemorative plaque to mark their victory, which will be displayed at the subway in due course.
The lengthy restoration involved careful repairs being made to pretty much every nook and cranny of the previously derelict structure. A new glass roof was built above the former ticket hall section and repairs were made to the walls, floors, and entrances. The project may have cost a rather eye-watering £3.5 million (funded between the City of London Strategic Investment Pot, Historic England, and local donations), but we’ve got to hand it to them: it looks blooming lovely.
The Crystal Palace subway is now run by the Crystal Palace Park Trust, who are continuing to develop and enhance the subway, creating a unique venue which is set to host many events in future. The subway officially reopened back in September and has already welcomed thousands of visitors.
Credit: @crystalpalaceparktrust via Instagram
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: “This welcome award is excellent recognition of what has been achieved and further cements the legacy of this incredible structure following its careful restoration last year which is allowing the beautiful Subway to once again be enjoyed by residents and visitors. I thank the local residents and partners involved for their support in making this restoration possible. It has been the perfect start to our wider regeneration plan which we are now progressing for the whole of this historic park and which will ensure the park’s future is just as magnificent as its past.”
Find out more and plan your visit to the Crystal Palace subway here.