The sale, involving two parcels of land adjacent to the historic south London park, will not only finance essential restoration and improvement projects but also pave the way for much-needed affordable housing
Crystal Palace Park is set for a transformative revival as a long-anticipated land sale has finally been completed, unlocking £21.8 million in ringfenced funding for a major phase of regeneration works. The sale, involving two parcels of land adjacent to the historic south London park, will not only finance essential restoration and improvement projects but also pave the way for much-needed affordable housing.
The development sites, Rockhills and Sydenham Villas, were included in the original regeneration masterplan approved in 2021. With the purchase by Clarion Housing Group now finalised, around 210 homes—many of them affordable—are expected to be built on the land. The housing element ensures that the regeneration effort contributes not just to heritage and green space enhancement, but also addresses local housing needs.
Crucially, the £21.8 million generated from the land sale will be invested entirely into the park, enabling a wide range of restoration projects to proceed without delay. The upcoming works include the much-anticipated restoration of the park’s iconic Grade I-listed dinosaur sculptures, a new dinosaur-themed playground, and the refurbishment of the Italian terraces’ stonework. In addition, 3.76 acres of previously inaccessible land will be brought back into public use as parkland, enhancing the overall footprint and usability of the space.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Bromley Council’s Executive Member for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, welcomed the milestone, calling it a significant moment in the park’s long-awaited rejuvenation. “This is another milestone completed in the regeneration of this historic park, securing funding needed to make this comprehensive regeneration plan viable,” she said. “While the land sale for housing has always been planned, I am pleased that we have managed to secure affordable housing from the sale while still maximising value for the works.”
She also noted that the investment would soon begin to materialise on the ground. “Residents will soon see exciting works commencing on restoring the park’s beloved heritage and thanks to the sale more improvements to the park will soon be possible.”
The sale marks a successful collaboration between Bromley Council, Clarion Housing Group, and the Crystal Palace Park Trust—the community-led organisation now co-delivering the regeneration programme. Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion, emphasised the importance of balancing heritage and housing in modern urban planning. “This development will not only provide high-quality, sustainable homes for local people but also contribute to the regeneration of one of London’s most historic green spaces,” he said. “By working in partnership with Bromley Council and the Crystal Palace Park Trust, we are ensuring that both housing and heritage can thrive together.”
Victoria Pinnington, Chief Executive of the Crystal Palace Park Trust, described the funding as a cornerstone moment. “This fantastic investment in the park is the cornerstone for our ambitious plans to preserve, restore and reinvent Crystal Palace Park,” she said. “As well as returning more park land to public enjoyment, it allows us to move forward in earnest with the regeneration of the park, for the benefit of all our visitors.”
In addition to the £21.8 million secured through the land sale, the regeneration programme has attracted a series of major grants, including £5 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Together, these funds will support a wide array of works aimed at revitalising both the park’s physical environment and its infrastructure.
The next phase will see restoration of the famous dinosaur sculptures and the surrounding Tidal Lakes landscape, improvements to footpaths, lighting and signage, and sustainable drainage systems installed in key areas. A new visitor centre will replace the outdated information point, and a new community hub with a café is planned near Rockhills Gate. A feature entrance will be constructed at Penge Gate, and new accessible routes will be created linking the park’s central areas to the Italian terraces and beyond.
The project continues to receive support from Historic England, whose expert input was instrumental in the recent restoration of the Grade II* listed Subway beneath Crystal Palace Parade.
The regeneration of Crystal Palace Park represents a rare convergence of heritage conservation, environmental improvement, and urban development. With works scheduled to begin later this year, locals and visitors alike can look forward to a revived landmark that not only honours its Victorian past but also meets the evolving needs of a modern London.
