One of England’s most iconic parks reveals huge £52million restoration plan with new dinosaur playground and tidal lakes
ONE of London’s most historic parks is set to start its massive £52million renovation this year.
Crystal Palace was made famous by it’s iconic attraction, the Crystal Palace which opened in 1854.
Dubbed the eighth wonder of the world at the time – and even visited by royalty such as Queen Victoria – it sadly burned down in 1936.
But the remaining Crystal Palace park has remained popular ever since, and is undergoing a major renovation project.
Set to cost £52million, this includes the renovation of the famous dinosaur statues.
Along with the restoration of the 30 statues, a new dinosaur-themed playground will also open.
The Grade II-listed Italian Terraces will be restored with new step-free access, along with the Tidal Lakes.
A new visitor centre will replace the current, run-down information centre.
Better footpaths, more entrances and more lighting is also part of the improvement plans.
New meadows and plant areas will be created as well.
Starting on May 16, the works are expected to finish next summer.
The park will stay open although it has been warned to expect some disruption during the works.
The Crystal Palace Park Trust said: “You are likely to notice a difference to your typical visits, with footpath redirections, gate and car park closures.
“[But] there will still be lots for you to see, experience, and enjoy during your visit.”
The 170-year-old park is Grade-I listed and is even home to London‘s ‘Eiffel Tower‘ – a transmitting station which can be seen for miles across the city.
It has attracted famous people all around the world, especially to the Crystal Palace Bowl with live acts including Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, Elton John and The Beach Boys.
Visitors can currently make the most of the current attractions including the boating lake, where you can rent pedalos or row boats.
It also has it’s own skatepark, which hosted the first major national skateboarding competition in the UK in 1977.
Bad weather? The park has it’s own museum talking about the history of Crystal Palace.
But of course of its most famous attractions it the dinosaur statues, dating back to 1854 and still free to visit.
Kids will love the the park farm as well as the hedgerow maze as well.
Head there on a Sunday for the weekly Crystal Palace food market too, or one of the two cafes for snacks and drinks throughout the week.
And people may not realise that Crystal Palace once had it’s own ‘underground’ system for first class passenger.
Crystal Palace Subway, dating back 160 years, reopened to the public last year after a £3.2million restoration.
Tourists can visit once a month with tickets going on sale in advance.