Planning approval has been granted for the redevelopment of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre (CPNSC).
Originally opened in 1964, the renovation will bring the 15-hectare site up to a modern standard while showcasing its heritage and historic features.
The project includes the delivery of a new enlarged gym and dedicated spaces for sporting clubs, the return of the diving pool and 50m swimming pool to the aquatics hall, the creation of an outdoor padel centre, 3×3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches and a full-size multi-sports pitch and an improved indoor sports zone, including an indoor 100m track, specialist weightlifting facility and climbing centre.
The project also includes 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 – which will be free to access and open to members of the public – and a refurbished and re-developed stadium.
The refurbishment project has been procured using the Southern Construction Framework (SCF) with Morgan Sindall Construction appointed as the main contractor.
Sir Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, 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.”
Liam Conlon, MP for Beckenham and Penge, added: “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. 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.”
Richard Dobson, area director for Morgan Sindall in London, said: “We can’t wait to start delivering the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre renovation now that planning has been approved, as we know this project is going to unlock incredible benefits for so many people in the South London area. 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.
“I’m also incredibly proud of the social value work the team has already implemented, with a long list of training and upskilling opportunities provided for local schools and communities. This underlines the capacity for this project to change lives and I can’t wait to see all the ways this momentum is going to be carried forward now that planning has been approved.”
The project team includes WOO architects, Max Fordham, FaulknerBrowns, Alan Baxter Associates and Currie & Brown.
