The restoration of the iconic dinosaur models, a staple of the park since the Victorian era, is now underway with specialist steam cleaning and repair work revealing their original look.
Scaffolding has been erected around larger models on Dinosaur Island to allow targeted work on their upper sections.
This restoration is part of a wider park regeneration plan, co-delivered by Bromley Council and Crystal Palace Park Trust, with support from partners, including a £5 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The entire multi-million-pound regeneration phase is expected to be completed by autumn 2026.
As part of the regeneration, visitors will have noted scaffolding and fencing around the Italian Terraces, where the Crystal Palace once stood.
The bust of its Victorian designer, Sir Joseph Paxton, is also being restored and will be relocated to the terraces.
The Grand Centre Walk is set to return to its original 96-foot width, stretching from the upgraded Penge Gate entrance, past a new visitor centre, dinosaur-themed playground, and through to the park’s historic sites and green spaces.
Bromley’s executive councillor for renewal, recreation, and housing, Councillor Yvonne Bear, said: “As these legendary beasts start to be seen emerging from their restoration, the impact of this unprecedented period of regeneration will begin to be felt across this historic park.
“The next chapter will truly be filled with magnificent transformation as we press ahead with our comprehensive regeneration plan.”
The restoration of the dinosaurs is being delivered by SSH Conservation, who are part of the team of heritage specialists assembled by Maylim.
Detailed plans for this phase of works were developed by a team of specialist consultants led by HTA Design, which received Planning approval last year.
Crystal Palace Park Trust’s chief executive, Victoria Pinnington, said: “We are delighted at the quality of the restoration work being undertaken by the specialist conservators and construction team.
“We’re lucky to be onsite and see the changes taking place daily and are looking ahead eagerly to reopening fully to visitors in 2026, a milestone year that marks 172 years since the park’s original opening.”
The park remains open to all visitors during the works, with necessary information for visitors, including footpath redirection, being provided by Crystal Palace Park Trust, who were made custodians of the park under an early phase of the Regeneration Plan and are responsible for the day-to-day management.
The project is further supported by £21.8 million from the sale of adjacent land for affordable housing.
Key elements of the upcoming works include the restoration of the 30 Grade I-listed Dinosaur sculptures and their surrounding landscape, the creation of a dinosaur-themed playground, and restoration of the Grade II-listed Italian Terraces.
New step-free routes and improved footpaths are also on the cards for the park, along with plans for a new visitor centre, sustainable drainage systems in key areas, and new meadows and wildlife-friendly shrubs to create new habitats.
The park remains open to all visitors during the works.
