Redevelopment plans for the CPNSC have been approved by the London Borough of Bromley, with construction set to begin later this year
The plans aim to modernise the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, improving accessibility and sustainability while protecting its historic character and national importance
Inclusive design to champion accessibility and sustainability
Opened in 1964, the 15-hectare site will be fully renovated, creating a modern sports centre with facilities designed to support sport at every level, from grassroots participation to elite competition.
The redevelopment will also raise standards for accessibility and sustainability through inclusive design upgrades and a range of environmental improvements
Other aspects of the plan 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.
“Once-in-a-generation redevelopment”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that planning approval has been granted for this once-in-a-generation redevelopment of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.
“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.”
Leeds United stadium is also due to be redeveloped
The CPNSC is one of several sporting venues with plans for renovation/redevelopment, including an expansion of Elland Road stadium, increasing the stadium’s capacity to 53,000 fans, as well as improving viewer comfort, sightlines, and amenities.
Leeds United chairman, Paraag Marathe, said: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for the expansion of Elland Road Stadium. This is a historic day for Leeds United Football Club.
“As custodians of this great club, we are committed to its long-term success, and today’s decision supports our ambition to establish Leeds in the Premier League and continue progressing over the years to come. I would like to thank everyone involved in the project to date, for helping us reach this point.”
Find out more about the Leeds United stadium expansion here.
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