The Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is undergoing a transformative redevelopment, marking a significant milestone with the submission of a planning application.
This historic venue, opened in 1964, has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the first Women’s FA Cup final, but now requires substantial investment to modernise its facilities. The redevelopment aims to enhance the local community’s sporting facilities, with a focus on sustainability and the preservation of the site’s heritage.
The project includes a comprehensive refurbishment of the Grade II*-listed building, improving accessibility and expanding the gym. New dedicated spaces for sporting clubs will be created, alongside a six-court Padel centre, 3×3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches, and a full-size artificial multi-sports pitch.
The aquatics hall will be upgraded to accommodate shallow water, 25m swimming, 50m swimming, and diving in one space, all on one level for the first time. Indoor sports zones will be improved to support elite performance, providing year-round use for clubs, athletes, and the community.
A new community space will combine sports, leisure, and play with a café, a 200m running track, a 3×3 basketball court, and an outdoor gym. Renovations to the stadium’s existing stands will include additional seating, designed in collaboration with athletes to enhance the atmosphere at live events.
The project emphasises sustainability, aiming for a 97 per cent reduction in carbon emissions through sustainable construction choices, such as photovoltaic panels and air-source heat pumps. A £23m investment from the Green Finance Fund will support the centre’s transition to all-electric, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is committed to supporting this redevelopment, working with partners to secure investment for the stadium works. The project aims to inspire Londoners and create an outstanding sporting venue, contributing to a better, fairer London.
Key members of the project include Morgan Sindall Construction, responsible for the design and build, and sports masterplan specialists WOO Architects, part of the creative team behind the London and Paris Olympics. Decarbonisation and sustainability experts Max Fordham, architects Faulkner Brown, and engineers and heritage conservation specialists Alan Baxter Associates are also involved.
Richard Dobson, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in London, highlights the project’s ambitious, innovative nature, aiming to create a modern, sustainable, inclusive, and community-centred leisure centre while honouring the venue’s legacy.
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