The historic Crystal Palace subway is set to benefit from a £2.34m grant funding a restoration project.

Home to Victorian arched brickwork and beautiful hidden walkways, the 154 year old Grade II listed build is currently defined as 'at risk' by Historic England due to extensive disrepair.

Confirmation of the grant, which comes from the Mayor's strategic investment pot, relies on the support of all 33 London boroughs, and will not be confirmed until mid-November.

Councillor Peter Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said, “This is excellent news - the progress made to ensure the future of the subway is also testament to what can be achieved when organisations big and small work together.

"Since 2014 the Friends group, Bromley Council and Historic England have worked in partnership to enable each other to get the best outcome for this building, for the benefit of local people and the nation as a whole.

"Finally securing this grant will be a great exemplar of what can be achieved when people come together.”

The Crystal Palace Subway has a dedicated Friends group and is one of the most popular Open House sites in London.

In 2017 the subway hosted 3,507 visitors as part of Open House London, making it the 6th most visited venue out of the 838 sites that took part.

The subway first opened in 1865 to create access to the Crystal Palace High Level Railway Station.

After the war, the station deteriorated and finally closed in 1954. It was demolished in 1961.

The now unused subway became an unofficial children's playground, before welcoming a new generation of visitors in the 90s - ravers and partygoers.

Around 20 years ago, the subway was closed entirely due to safety concerns.