Crystal Palace Park has been granted a funding application worth nearly £5 million in National Lottery funding to help preserve it for the future.

It comes as the National Lottery Heritage Fund launches its new 10-year strategy which aims to invest £3.6 billion in heritage with a “focus on place-based investment, partnerships and sustainability”.

The funds will help advance the park’s regeneration plan which includes restoration work to the Tidal Lakes, a new dinosaur-themed playground, and an information centre.

Crystal Palace Park is on the Heritage At Risk Register partly due to the condition of the dinosaurs which have stood there for nearly 170 years.

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Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Crystal Palace Park embodies the joy of heritage, from its nature walks and unique dinosaurs to the kaleidoscope of sporting and cultural activities held in its magnificent grounds.

“It’s as important to local communities as its history is significant internationally.

“We’re delighted that thanks to players of the National Lottery, we can save much-loved heritage like the Crystal Palace Park all over the UK and create benefits for people, places, and our natural environment.

“In 1852, Crystal Palace Park was designed to impress, educate, entertain and inspire. Our funding will help ensure that it continues to do just that for generations to come.”

The National Lottery Heritage Fund said all investment decisions in its 10-year plan will be based on four principles: saving heritage, protecting the environment, inclusion, access and participation, and organisational sustainability.

Projects stretching from Penzance to John O’Groats and across Wales and Northern Ireland are also among those that will benefit.