‘Marvel of history’: Crystal Palace Subway begins new era after major renovations

Crystal Palace Subway is on track to reopen in time for its 160th anniversary next year as its restoration continues.

The Grade-II* listed subway, which is hidden beneath the Crystal Palace Parade, was first opened to link a new railway station to the palace itself.

It is one of the last remaining structures from the Crystal Palace, which burnt down in 1936.

A new roof has been erected over the East Courtyard and repairs have been made to the walls, floor, steps and entrances.

The restoration is part of Bromley council’s wider Regeneration Plan for Crystal Palace Park.

Friends of Crystal Palace Subway and Historic England provided advice throughout the restoration, with the council appointing architects Thomas Ford & Partners and conservation specialists DBR Limited to transform the space. 

Lord Mendoza, Historic England chairman, said: “The subway’s restoration has been a labour of love. 

“Heritage brings people together and the subway will do just that for many as a new venue in Crystal Palace.”

The subway will be run by Crystal Palace Park Trust, the new community-led custodian of the park in which the subway is located.

The space will be opened to the public as part of the Open House Festival on September 21.

Councillor Yvonne Bear, executive councillor for renewal, recreation and housing, said: “This is the incredible moment that we have all been waiting for as this beautifully restored marvel of history is unveiled in an incredible milestone for our regeneration plan.

“Much like the Victorian passengers who once used it, visitors to the subway will now be guided into a new era for this incredible park.”

The High Level Crystal Palace station closed in the 1950s and was demolished in 1961.

It was used as an air raid shelter during World War Two, and then became a local hangout and occasional community event space after the war. 

The Chemical Brothers filmed their 1996 music video for Setting Sun in and around the subway. 

The station was the terminus of the Crystal Palace and South London Junction Railway (CPSLJR), which was later absorbed by the London, Chatham and Dover Railway (LCDR).

The elaborate subway, designed by Charles Barry Jr, first opened in 1865 and provided a direct link for 1st class passengers coming from the High Level Station under Crystal Palace Parade and into the Palace. 

The Crystal Palace High Level Station never received the great number of passengers anticipated, though investment on the line continued. 

The station was temporarily closed during World War One, but despite low passenger numbers, the line was electrified in 1925.

The £3.5million restoration project received funding through City of London Strategic Investment Pot and Historic England.

Karl Richter and Jules Hussey, co-founders of Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, said: “We are indebted to all those in the surrounding communities who determinedly backed the project to reach this incredible point.”

Pictured top: The newly restored Crystal Palace Subway in 2024 (Picture: Historic England Archive)