Famous London park to get multi-million pound makeover – including glow-up for ‘city’s saddest playground’
ONE of London’s best loved parks, home to some world-first attractions, is set to be given a £52million makeover.
Work at Crystal Palace Park is set to begin next year, with new designs unveiled to show what people can expect once the project is complete.
The park is one of the most famous in London, with a fascinating history dating back to the mid-1800s.
It’s been the scene of some huge events during its years, including Bob Marley’s largest and last ever London concert in 1980.
Meanwhile the National Sports Centre situated in the park hosted the FA Cup final from 1895 until 1914.
Of the overall cost, £17.5m is being spent on a restoration of the Victorian park’s original features, while its playground, recently labelled the saddest in the city, will also be given a revamp.
Plans for the park have been put together by HTA Design, who are in charge of upgrading the facilities, while also conserving some of its best loved features.
That includes its world-famous Grade I dinosaur statues, which are believed to be the oldest sculptures depicting the animals in the world.
They will remain an important part of the park, as will the Geological Court where they are found.
Layers of vegetation and sediment that has built up throughout the court will be replaced by fresh gravel and rocky outcrops.
The dinosaur theme will be carried into a brand new play area for youngsters, which will be a huge upgrade on the current playground.
After a public vote, it was named London‘s Saddest Playground, as part of a campaign to raise awareness of poor play facilities in London.
Seven-year-old, Wilf, described the playground as “rubbish” and said there wasn’t a lot to do in it.
He told News Shopper: “Lots of people use the park and, for its size, its playground is rubbish. It only has swings and a sandpit.”
His mum, Sarah Sarson, added: “Wilf spotted the call for London’s saddest playground and wanted to send a photo of Crystal Palace in.
“It’s an important space for so many children.”
Best staycation locations for 2024
1. Bristol
The arty harbour city was the top spot on the list and is bursting with culture and trendy cafes scattered along the River Avon.
A bubbling hub for creatives, Bristol is the birthplace of street artist Banksy, and you can admire some of his best early works on a free walking tour.
2. Hull
The Humberside port city started to get recognition last year, and it has a thriving nightlife scene – if that’s something you’re after.
The old town is crawling with history and classy buildings, whose walls have many stories to tell and The Deep is a fascinating aquarium attraction.
3. Isles of Scilly
Just off the Cornish coast, it’s easy to see why the archipelago made it into the top three.
Here, you can expect golden sandy beaches where you will be able to spot dolphins beyond the shoreline, as well as seafront pubs serving up hearty grub.
Elsewhere, the park’s Italian terraces and tidal lakes areas will be given a refresh, while an information centre and a feature entrance at Penge Gate are also part of the plans.
Natalia Roussou, Landscape Design Director at HTA Design said: “This is a significant milestone for the Crystal Palace Park Regeneration.
“The Phase 1 proposals will celebrate the Geological Court and Italian Terraces, revealing the layers of history in the landscape.”
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, added: “This is an exciting period in Crystal Palace Park’s history.
“We are restoring many of the park’s beloved features and delivering vital upgrades to ensure that residents and visitors continue to enjoy this great park well into the future.”
It’s not the only new attraction with work planned for next year in the UK.
Therme Manchester
The biggest new attraction for 2025 is set to be Therme Manchester, which is going to be a massive indoor water attraction.
It will cover the size of 18 football pitches and be home to 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and even an indoor beach.
Spas, restaurants, swim up bars and a wellbeing garden will all be part of the £250million resort.
If you can’t wait until then, Therme Bucharest in Romania is already open.
Eden Project Morecambe
WORK is set to begin soon on the brand new Eden Project attraction and carry on throughout next year.
The boss of the facility is hopeful that it is on track to open its doors in 2026.
Originally named Eden Project North, developers hope it can replicate the success of the Eden Project in Cornwall, which opened in 2001.
Once completed, the new Eden will be home to a “hyper-real forest” with large installations and immersive theatre.
It will have three huge shell-shaped pavilions that will overlook Morecambe Bay.
Meanwhile, these water attractions are scheduled to open in the UK in 2025.
And this brand new family attraction that opened this year was inspired by the Royal Family.