About the project

Crystal Palace Park, one of London's most iconic green spaces, is undergoing a transformative regeneration project bolstered by a £5 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This follows the recent success of the Grade II* listed Crystal Palace Subway that opened in 2024.

The Lottery grant supports a wider £17.75 million programme to restore key historical features, including the park's internationally renowned dinosaurs and Italian terraces, with works set to commence in Spring 2025. The grant will primarily support the restoration of the park's Geological Court and Paxton's Grand Centre Walk, with new planting, enhanced biodiversity, and the reinstatement of historic views. Interpretation, new wayfinding and a dinosaur-themed playground, created in collaboration with residents, will be delivered along with a two year programme of heritage engagement activities, and opportunities for work experience, internships and volunteering.

Crystal Palace Park Trust, established as the new community-led custodian of the park, is overseeing the long-term management of the restored spaces under a new sustainable business model, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the park.

The consultancy's role

Alix Slater Consultancy & Training was engaged in 2022 to assist with the Development Phase application for the ‘Restoring the Heritage’ project. After the first grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund was secured, the consultancy was appointed as the project's Evaluation Consultant. The consultancy evaluated the Development Phase and the first year of the capital project, preparing an end of Year 1 report, and its involvement concluded in 2026.

Funding & coverage

• £5 million awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund Crystal Palace Park Trust · December 2024