A multi-million-pound regeneration plan for Crystal Palace Park is set to begin this week.
Bromley council has appointed contractor, Maylim, which specialise in public realmand landscaping schemes to carry out the much-anticipated works.
Getting started over the coming days, regeneration will see therestoration of 30 dinosaurs and surrounding Tidal Lakesas well as the creation of a dinosaur-themed playground, a visitor centre, community centre and café.
The dinosaur sculptures were created between 1853 and 1855 by artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins and sit on an island in the park.The creatures are thought to be the world’s first attempt to model extinct animals at life-size, based on fossil remains as evidence.
Dinosaur play area concept diagram (Picture: HTA Design)
Maylim has assembled a team of heritage specialists to deliver the restoration works, sothat the Grade II listed dinosaurs can be enjoyed by generations to come.
Thomas O’Mahony, managing director of Maylim said: “We are incredibly proud to have been appointed to deliver this next phase of regeneration works at Crystal Palace Park.
“As Crystal Palace Park has long been a cornerstone in London’s history of public spaces, it is an honour to contribute to the next chapter of this storied park.
“Crystal Palace Park’s legacy is woven into the fabric of London, and we are committed to delivering a high-quality transformation that respects the past while creating a vibrant space for the future.
“It is exciting to work alongside the Parks dedicated stakeholders with our team of heritage specialists to restore the treasured heritage features as the Dinosaurs and Italian Terraces to safeguard its future.”
The start of works marks the latest step in the park’s extensive regeneration plan, being co-delivered by Bromley Council and Crystal Palace Park Trust.
Crystal Palace Park dinosaurs and lakes will be restored as part of the latest phase of works beginning this week (Picture: Joe Coughlan)
Last month, the council announced the long-awaited sale of land adjacent to the park for affordable housing.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Bromley’s Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, says: “The new future for this park will start to unfold as we begin to breathe fresh life into prominent and beloved sites that capture the distinguished history of this incredible park.”
Detailed plans for this phase of works were developed by a team of specialist consultants led by HTA Design, which received Planning approval last year.
The upcoming works are expected to be complete by Autumn 2026 and various park improvements delivered sooner.
Victoria Pinnington, chief executive of Crystal Palace Park Trust, said: “We can all look forward to a revitalised park, with its much-loved heritage features restored and protected, with better accessibility and improved information about the park’s history.
“We couldn’t be more pleased that this vital work is about to begin, to deliver all of this and more for our visitors.”
The park remains open to all visitors during the works, with necessary information, including footpath redirection being provided by Crystal Palace Park Trust which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the park.
Pictured top: Mantellodon in Crystal Palace Park (Picture: Peter Cooper/ Wikimedia Commons)
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