Crystal Palace Subway restored

[talldave]

Last Saturday, 21st September 2024, was the first opportunity to see the results of Phase 1 of the restoration project of the Grade II listed Crystal Palace Subway. Originally built in 1865, it provided access from the High Level railway station to the Crystal Palace. Hopefully all the hoardings can come down soon!

A few pics below. The Friends of Crystal Palace Subway website is at https://cpsubway.org.uk/home

 

[03_179]

Looks amazing. Hope it stays looking that good but sadly as I know the area I give 6 months and daubed in mindless graffiti!

 

[LUYMun]

It looks excellent, I might pop down in the near future to have a look round.

 

[talldave]

It looks excellent, I might pop down in the near future to have a look round.

It's not generally open - this was a one-off viewing day. Keep an eye on their website for what they plan to do in the future.

 

[thesignalman]

When I read "subway" in the title I thought at first we were speaking Amercianish for underground railways, but this is solely a foot subway, I guess? I don't think it is related to the Crystal Palace Atmospheric Railway which ran underground between the Sydenham entrance and near the Penge gate.

Not much chance of that being re-opened, although some archaeological explorations were being made in 1989 until the pennies ran out.

John

 

[talldave]

Indeed it was just for pedestrians to get under Crystal Palace Parade (the road). Sadly it no longer goes anywhere as it's a dead end with railings at the end. Whilst it's an impressive piece of architecture it feels like a bit of a white elephant. Whilst I believe there are plans to use it as an event space, it's open to the elements at the dead end, so somewhat chilly at this time of year onwards; it's challenging from an accessibility perspective and there's no toilets. I'd love to see it as an outdoor area of a rebuilt mini-palace, used as an event/arts venue.

 

[LUYMun]

On the plus side, any plans for reopening the Crystal Palace Low High Level line from Nunhead has its station entrance sorted already!

 

[Tester]

On the plus side, any plans for reopening the Crystal Palace Low Level line from Nunhead has its station entrance sorted already!

High level!

 

[LUYMun]

High level!

Bugger me, it’s too late in the night for crayonisms!

 

[Tester]

Bugger me, it’s too late in the night for crayonisms!

Off topic, but the whole line is worth walking - more to see than you might expect!