A major step forward has been taken in the long-awaited transformation of the iconic Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, after a planning application was officially submitted to begin a
large-scale renovation of the historic venue.
The project, backed by Sadiq Khan, marks a significant milestone in what the Mayor has described as a “once-in-a-generation” redevelopment of the 15-hectare sporting complex in south London.
Originally opened in 1964, the centre has long been a cornerstone of British sport. It features an athletics stadium, indoor arena, Olympic-size swimming and diving pools, and numerous indoor and outdoor training facilities. Over the decades, it has hosted countless sporting events — including the first Women’s FA Cup Final — alongside major athletics, swimming and diving competitions.
However, after six decades of use, the complex now requires substantial investment to modernise its facilities and improve access for the community.
Major upgrade for local sport
In summer 2023, Khan unveiled ambitious plans to revitalise the site, promising improved sporting facilities for local residents and athletes alike. The redevelopment includes a full refurbishment of the 50-metre swimming pool and diving pool, as well as upgrades to indoor sports areas, outdoor pitches and the athletics stadium.
Last year, construction firm Morgan Sindall Construction was appointed to lead the design and build process. The company has now formally submitted its planning application to London Borough of Bromley, outlining how the complex will be modernised while preserving its historic character.
Sustainability at the core
Environmental sustainability is central to the redevelopment plans. Designers aim to cut the facility’s carbon emissions by around 97 percent through greener construction and energy systems.
The proposals include installing solar photovoltaic panels on the roof and introducing air-source heat pumps to provide heating and cooling throughout the complex.
To support these efforts, Khan allocated £23 million from the Mayor’s Green Finance Fund in 2024, enabling the centre to transition to an all-electric system for the first time in its 60-year history and eliminate reliance on fossil fuels.
What the redevelopment will include
The proposed transformation covers a wide range of improvements across the site, including:
- Full refurbishment of the Grade II listed main building, improving accessibility and expanding the gym while creating new spaces for sports clubs.
- Construction of a six-court padel centre, along with new 3x3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches and a full-size artificial multi-sports field.
- A redesigned aquatics hall where 25-metre and 50-metre swimming lanes, shallow water areas and diving facilities will operate on a single level for the first time.
- Upgrades to indoor sports zones to support both elite training and year-round community use.
- A new community hub combining sports, leisure and social spaces, including a café, a 200-metre running track, outdoor gym equipment and additional basketball courts.
- Improvements to the athletics stadium, including renovations to the stands and additional seating designed with input from athletes to enhance the atmosphere during competitions.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted that the once-in-a-generation redevelopment of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has reached another key milestone with the submission of the planning application for its transformation.
“This is an historic and much-loved national sporting and community facility, where many UK sporting stars have started their careers and trained, but it needs major investment and refurbishment and I am committed to supporting this.
“I am pleased with the positive progress that has been made so far and we look forward to working closely with partners and the local community to create an outstanding sporting venue as we work together to build a better, fairer London for all.”
Richard Dobson, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in London, said: “The ideas that have been laid out in the planning application for Crystal Palace National Sports Centre’s transformative regeneration represent something quite ambitious and different.
“Everyone working on this scheme has pushed hard to make the design a showcase in what a modern, sustainable, inclusive and community-centred leisure centre should look like – all while paying homage to the venue’s inspiring legacy.
“This combination of driving factors means the site will not only reclaim its original vision of being a ‘glass pavilion in the park’ that supports the health and wellbeing of Londoners, but we will have laid the groundwork for a centre of excellence where a new generation of athletes can break and set their own records.”
Next steps
As the project moves forward, the Mayor’s office will continue working with partners to secure additional investment for the stadium redevelopment, ensuring the entire site can reach its full potential.
The wider design team includes sports masterplanning specialists WOO Architects, sustainability experts Max Fordham, architects Faulkner Brown Architects, and engineering and heritage consultancy Alan Baxter Associates.
If approved, the renovation is expected to breathe new life into one of London’s most historic sporting venues — ensuring it continues to serve athletes and the community for decades to come.