A landmark transformation begins this week as Bromley Council launches the long-anticipated regeneration of Crystal Palace Park, backed by millions in investment.
Crystal Palace Park, one of South London’s most historic green spaces, is entering a new era. Bromley Council has confirmed the appointment of Maylim, a contractor renowned for its work on public realm and landscape projects, to lead the major revamp.
Regeneration work is set to begin within days. Key developments include:
- Full restoration of 30 historic dinosaur sculptures
- Refurbishment of the surrounding Tidal Lakes
- Construction of a dinosaur-themed playground
- New visitor and community centres
- Addition of a park café
These upgrades form part of an ambitious plan to breathe new life into the Grade II-listed park, all while safeguarding its rich legacy.
Created between 1853 and 1855 by artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, the iconic dinosaur statues are widely regarded as the world’s first life-size models of extinct creatures based on fossil evidence. Set on a small island within the park, these sculptures have long fascinated visitors and historians alike.
Maylim, keen to respect the park’s heritage, has assembled a team of heritage specialists to undertake the delicate restoration.
“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 Park’s dedicated stakeholders with our team of heritage specialists to restore the treasured heritage features as the Dinosaurs and Italian Terraces to safeguard its future,” said Thomas O’Mahony, Managing Director of Maylim.
The regeneration is being jointly delivered by Bromley Council and the Crystal Palace Park Trust, the body now responsible for managing the park on a daily basis.
This phase of the project follows the council’s recent announcement of the sale of nearby land to create affordable housing, a move that forms part of a broader vision to rejuvenate the area.
“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,” said Councillor Yvonne Bear, Bromley’s Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing.
HTA Design, the consultancy firm leading the project design, secured planning approval last year. Work is expected to be completed by Autumn 2026, with many improvements arriving sooner.
Despite the construction, the park will remain open to the public throughout. The Crystal Palace Park Trust will provide updates and reroute footpaths where necessary to keep disruption minimal.
“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,” said Victoria Pinnington, Chief Executive of Crystal Palace Park Trust.
