From Oasis to low rise jeans (*shudders at the thought*); we’ve seen some pretty iconic comebacks this year. And now there’s another one to add to the list. Don’t panic, though – this one won’t require you to spend an entire weekend waiting in a digital queue to disappointment. A Grade II* listed south London subway has undergone a mighty makeover, and is finally set to swing open its shiny new doors after a 14 year (and £3.5 million) renovation.
The Crystal Palace Subway is a subterranean structure, dating all the way back to 1865. Originally built as a railway station, linking first-class passengers to the Crystal Palace; the underpass is one of the only surviving elements of the ill-fated palace, which was destroyed in a fire in 1936 and later demolished. The subway was closed in 1954, and has not seen the light of day since. Until now…
The famous Victorian subway has quite an impressive CV, having been used as an air raid shelter in WWII, a community event space, and the backdrop of a Chemical Brothers music video. Over the past 14 years, it’s been being spruced up, and is set to reopen to the public in time for its 160th birthday celebrations next year. In the meantime, however, the newly-renovated space will be making its first public appearance on September 21 as part of the Open House festival, where visitors can get a sneak peak of the subway for free.
The subway has been treated to a new roof over the East Courtyard and significant repairs to the walls, floors, steps and entrances. The gargantuan glow-up has been a key part of Bromley Council’s £17.5 million regeneration of Crystal Palace Park. The subway restoration has been funded through a variety of sources, including the City of London Strategic Investment Pot, Historic England, and some rather generous individual donations. Once reopened, the subway will be managed and looked after by the Crystal Palace Park Trust.
Lord Mendoza, Historic England Chairman, said: “The Subway’s restoration has been a labour of love. The rejuvenation of this extraordinary space was made possible by the determination of the local community and the commitment of partners and funders. I applaud those involved. Heritage brings people together and the Subway, this beautiful example of Victorian construction, will do just that for many as a new venue in Crystal Palace.”
Find out more about the Crystal Palace Subway restoration project here.