Today, DBR Ltd, one of the UK’s leading heritage construction contractors, announces it has won the contract to undertake restoration works on the historic Crystal Palace Subway.
This follows a recent decision by the London Borough of Bromley’s Executive to award the work to the conservation specialists, with valued partners Historic England and the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway also sitting on the panel that assess the applicants.
Commencing soon, the restoration works, estimated at £3.2m, on the Grade II* listed subway will include rebuilding existing walls and the construction of a new roof over the courtyard.
Significantly, the project will see the repair of the Victorian subway, including the rebuilding of existing walls, construction of new parapet walls, and a roof structure. The proposed new roof will be visible from Crystal Palace Parade, with the subway exterior being made from glass and stainless steel, and the gable enclosed with Corten steel.
Commenting on the contract award, Adrian Attwood, Executive Director at DBR Limited, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the contract for this important project and are now eager to commence on site. As conservation specialists with over 30 years’ experience, we will be undertaking this conservation with the utmost care, so this impressive structure is fit for the 21st Century.”
Councillor Peter Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said: “I am delighted to see the essential restoration of this marvellous Victorian treasure progressing and thank our valued partners for their support in reaching this stage. It is amazing to think that this elegant subway helped visitors to the great Crystal Palace stay dry all those years ago and remains a breath-taking structure that we are now pleased to bring back to life to enable more people to enjoy for many years to come.”
The estimated £3.2m cost of restoring the Subway follows successful grant allocations of £2.34m from the City of London Strategic Investment Pot and an additional £639k from Historic England. Contributions to the works are also coming from the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway.
Simon Buteux, Partnerships Team Leader at Historic England, said: “It is incredibly important that this structure of such local and historic importance is preserved, and we are delighted to have been able to support this restoration, both with specialist advice and funding. These works have been carefully considered to ensure the essence of the Subway is maintained while allowing the venue to again be used by the local community.”
The subway first opened in 1865 and is located to the edge of Crystal Palace Park under the Crystal palace Parade and is one of the last original Crystal Palace structures and is much loved by the community, with its own dedicated Friends’ group.
A spokesperson for the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, said: “After over 10 years of working with the community, businesses and amazing volunteers, it is fantastic to reach this next milestone in an exciting project. It has been a rewarding experience collaborating with Bromley Council on this project and we look forward to being able to use the magnificent subway again following its completion.”
London Borough of Southwark continue to be involved in the restoration project. A planning application covering restoration works to small parts of the subway that lie within the borough of Southwark has also been submitted to the Council.
