A planning application for the renovation of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in South London has been approved.
The Grade II*- listed centre, which first opened in 1964, comprises an athletics stadium, indoor arena, swimming and diving pools, together with a large gym and a multitude of other internal and external sports facilities.
The renovation will include improved accessibility, an enlarged gym and new dedicated spaces for sporting clubs.
The centre was the site of the first Women’s FA Cup final, and has hosted everything from swimming and diving to world class athletics over the years.
Proposals have now formally been approved by the London Borough of Bromley, with work expected to start on the 15-hectare site in late 2026.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said: “This historic and much-loved national sports facility has created so many UK sporting stars, but it needs major investment and refurbishment, and I am committed to delivering this.”
“We now look forward to starting the next phase of work alongside partners and the local community to create an outstanding sporting venue, as we work together to build a better London for everyone.”
Last year, the Mayor confirmed the appointment of Morgan Sindall Construction to deliver the design and build of the centre.
New facilities include a six-court padel centre, 3×3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches and a full-size artificial multi-sports pitch.
There will also be a new community space combining sports, leisure, and play, with a 200m running track, a 3×3 basketball court, and an outdoor gym, as well as a café.
Liam Conlon, MP for Beckenham and Penge, said: “This is a major milestone and a massive moment for South London.
“Crystal Palace was once known as the spiritual home of UK Athletics, but the site has become increasingly run down, with the pools closed for years and the stadium looking tired.”
The project has a key focus on sustainability, with the new design targeting a 98 per cent reduction in carbon emissions through sustainable construction choices, such as adding solar panels to the centre’s roof and using air source heat pumps to provide heating and cooling.
As well as sporting events, the stadium has in the past played host to live open air concerts, by artists including Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, Sex Pistols and Depeche Mode.
John Powell MBE, Chair of the Crystal Palace Sports Partnership, said: “The work doesn’t stop here though – with planning permission in place we now need to secure willing partners and stakeholders to help with funding and renovating the athletics stadium and complete the return of world class sporting facilities in South London.”
More information can be found at here.
Featured image credit: Mayor of London
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