Planning approval has been granted for the renovation of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, marking a major milestone in securing the long-term future of one of the UK’s most significant sporting venues
The project will mark a shift for the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, turning it into a modern, accessible and sustainable building while protecting the site’s historic legacy and national importance.
The project will enhance the centre’s facilities to support sports from grassroots to elite level, set a new standard for inclusivity through accessible design upgrades, and deliver extensive sustainability improvements to decarbonise the venue.
Liam Conlon, MP for Beckenham and Penge, said: “This is a major milestone and a massive moment for South London.
“Backed by our Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, this once-in-a-generation project will deliver a revitalised centre, providing opportunities for local people in our area, and inspiring the next generation of Team GB Olympians and Paralympians.”
Key design aspects of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre regeneration
The renovation plans gained the public backing of more than 15 national governing sports bodies and clubs as well as local authority leaders and Historic England, which praised the proposal for making the centre ‘fit for the future’.
The comprehensive refurbishment project has been procured using the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), with Morgan Sindall Construction appointed as the main contractor. Key aspects of the approved plans include:
- A full refurbishment that will improve accessibility and create a centre for everyone with an enlarged gym featuring double the number of stations and new dedicated spaces for sporting clubs
- The diving pool and 50m swimming pool will return to the aquatics hall, providing shallow water, 25m swimming, 50m swimming, and diving all in one space
- The creation of an outdoor Padel centre, 3×3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches and a full-size multi-sports pitch
- Substantial accessibility improvements across the whole site, including enhanced lighting and wayfinding and a new step-free route between the Penge and Crystal Palace sides of the park
- Internal environmental issues will be addressed; a new glazed screen will separate the wet and dry areas to reduce noise and humidity, and an upgraded heating strategy will significantly reduce energy demand
- An improved indoor sports zone including an indoor 100m track, specialist weightlifting facility, and climbing centre
- A new community space for sports, leisure, and play, combined with a café, 200m running track, a 3×3 basketball court, and an outdoor gym. These facilities will be free to access and open to the public
- A refurbished and re-developed stadium is also planned, including accessibility seating for the first time in its history. The Mayor continues to seek partners and funders to bring forward this exciting element of the overall redevelopment proposals
New design could reduce carbon emissions by up to 98%
Sustainability is central to the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre project, with the new design targeting a 98% reduction in carbon emissions.
This target will be achieved through a ‘fabric first’ approach, upgrading the existing building fabric to be more energy efficient, and through sustainable construction choices such as adding photovoltaic panels to the centre’s roof and using air source heat pumps for heating and cooling.
“The design for the revitalised centre is a real showcase for what can be achieved when ambitious, innovative planning for a sustainable sports centre is combined with considerate, insightful collaborations with the people, athletes, and stakeholders that are going to be most affected by this transformative development,” stated Richard Dobson, area director for Morgan Sindall in London.
The project provides social value and skills for young people
Providing opportunities for South London’s young people through upskilling and training schemes with Morgan Sindall is a central aspect of the development.
Even though the proposals have only just been approved, the project has already delivered an extensive range of social value activities.
This has included eight community projects and an investment of over £56,000 from Morgan Sindall’s ‘Just Transition’ fund into the local community through initiatives such as the Future Palace programme. This programme gave 20 young people the opportunity to play a meaningful role in the redevelopment.
Participants were paid the London Living Wage and took part in detailed workshops over four months, informing key decisions with lived experience and giving their final presentation at London’s City Hall.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, concluded: “I’m delighted that planning approval has been granted for this once-in-a-generation redevelopment of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.
“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.”
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