THE RAIL DEAL
Hidden Victorian train station you can only visit once a month reveals £3.2million restoration
There are even live film screenings and silent discos
AN 159-year-old train station in the UK recently revealed their £3.2million restoration.
Crystal Palace Subway is a Grade-II listed building, with the original Victorian structures still intact.
5
5
5
It was designed by Charles Barry Jr, also behind Dulwich Park, the Great Eastern Hotel at London Liverpool Street as well as Bylaugh Hall in Norfolk.
The station opened in 1865 and was one of the first to have electric rail lines.
However, the station suffered from a number of incidents including the the burning down of Crystal Palace in 1936.
It was damaged by bombs during World War II, while being used as an air raid shelter.
Read more on train stations
The station closed in 1954, and the station was demolished in 1961.
What remains in place is the underground subway, which is now open to tourists once a month.
Run by Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, the opening dates are announced a few months in advance.
It was even used by The Chemical Brothers in 1996 to film their music video for Setting Sun.
Most read in News Travel
And the station recently underwent a multi-million pound renovation ahead of its 160th anniversary next year.
A new roof has been erected over the East Courtyard while the stairs, walls and floors have been repaired.
The UK train station named one of the best in Europe
Power and water have been installed as well, with more plans including waterproofing and accessibility features.
It hopes to soon become used for events such as live music and shows as well as photoshoots and weddings.
Historic England Lord Mendoza said: "The Subway’s restoration has been a labour of love.
"Heritage brings people together and the Subway, this beautiful example of Victorian construction, will do just that for many as a new venue in Crystal Palace.
5
To visit, the next dates are in 2025 with January 23, February 20 and March 20 all free without needing to book.
Open from 11am to 2pm, there are no guided tours but staff will be on-hand for additional information about its history.
There are also some other events such as a silent disco December 13 as well as some pop up Christmas film screenings this moth
The £3.5million project was part of the larger £52million Crystal Palace Park project.
Around £17.5million will be spent on restoring some of the Victorian features, with the playground being upgraded.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
What other attractions are no longer open in the UK
West Pier, Brighton
The West Pier in Brighton first opened in 1866 and was the first pier to be Grade I listed.
It closed in 1975 and fell into ruins, before more parts of it collapsed in 2002 due storms and 2003 due to arson.
Euston Arch, London
Built in 1837, it was made of Doric columns with bronze gates.
It was demolished in 1961, with the outcry leading to stricter rules when it comes to destroying older buildings.
St Michael's Cathedral, Coventry
Dating back to the 12th century, the cathedral was damaged in the war and deemed unable to be restored,
It now remains as a ruins which can be visited.
The famous dinosaur statues - Grade I listed - are also being revamped, along with the Italian terraces and lakes.
A new information centre and entrance will open at Penge Gate.
5
Topics