More than £500,000 of bespoke wet cast stone has been supplied by Taylor Maxwell for the restoration of the historic Italian Terraces at Crystal Palace Park in south London.

The Grade II-listed terraces form part of a recently completed phase of the park’s wider regeneration, co-delivered by Bromley Council and Crystal Palace Park Trust with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The project, led by HTA Design as lead consultant and landscape architect, has also included the restoration of the park’s Grade I-listed Victorian dinosaur sculptures and Geological Court, alongside a new visitor centre, dinosaur-themed playground, improved paths and lighting, and new step-free routes.

The Italian Terraces occupy the site of Crystal Palace following its relocation from Hyde Park after the Great Exhibition of 1851. For the restoration, Taylor Maxwell was approached by main contractor Maylim in May 2025 to identify a stone capable of accurately reproducing the profiles of the existing masonry.

Working with manufacturing partner Vobster Architectural, Taylor Maxwell selected Wet Cast Bathstone with a Light Etch finish. The bespoke stone package included copings, pier caps, balustrades, bottles and closed panels, with early site meetings allowing samples to be assessed against the existing masonry.

“It was a privilege to be involved with such a historic site, which will leave a lasting legacy for the public,” says Alan Gordon of Taylor Maxwell’s Specification Team. “The combination of teamwork, technical expertise and a strong partnership between all involved was what made the project a success. The finished stonework has brought new life to the terraces while remaining true to their historic character.”

The work forms part of a broader programme intended to restore the historic landscape and improve access and visitor facilities across the Grade II-listed park. Tate + Co acted as architect for the new-build elements, with Donald Insall Associates appointed as specialist heritage architect.

The project demonstrates the role of bespoke stone manufacture in conservation work, where new elements need to replicate existing profiles, finishes and proportions while meeting the practical requirements of contemporary construction.