Plans to restore and build a new roof over Crystal Palace’s historic subway could see it become a thriving community space.

The Grade II listed structure, opened in 1865, has fallen into disrepair over decades, ending up on Historic England’s ‘at risk’ register.

Plans recently submitted for approval outline a multi-million-pound restoration project designed by conservation architect firm Thomas Ford and Partners, in partnership with Bromley Council and Friends of Crystal Palace Subway.

The proposal includes the construction of a roof made of steel and glass with a 21-degree pitch to cover the existing Crystal Palace Subway courtyard.

The original roof fell into disrepair until it was eventually removed in the 1960’s.

Rather than an exact replica of the original Victorian design, the new roof is intended as a contemporary re-imagining of it, based on consultation with Historic England.

It is hoped that the new roof will allow the Subway site to be used for community gatherings, performances, craft or food markets and private events.

Bromley Council, which submitted the plans last month, has already secured £2.3million from the Mayor’s Strategic Investment pot and expects to receive £500,000 from Historic England.

Friends of Crystal Palace Subway are also contributing £5,000.

New parapet walls will also be built around the roof and stairs to emulate those that formed part of the original structure.

Designed by Charles Barry Junior, the subway was built to connect Crystal Palace High Level Station with the famous Crystal Palace, neither of which survive today.

Passengers were able to walk directly from the station into the Crystal Palace through the ornate subway, until the Palace was destroyed by fire in 1936.

It has occasionally been used as a cultural and community space over the decades, a function which the new plans could revive.

You can view the full plans here