Plans to transform the historic Crystal Palace National Sports Centre have been approved, paving the way for construction work to begin later this year on a major redevelopment of the
south London venue.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the decision by Bromley Council, describing it as a significant milestone in restoring one of the capital's best-known sporting venues and improving facilities for local communities.
The Grade II*-listed complex, which opened in 1964, has hosted major athletics, swimming and diving events and staged the first Women's FA Cup final. However, the ageing site has long been considered in need of extensive investment.
The redevelopment, first announced by the mayor in 2023, will include a full refurbishment of the 50-metre swimming and diving pools, upgraded indoor sports facilities, improvements to the athletics stadium and new outdoor sports amenities.
New facilities will include a six-court padel centre, 3x3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches and a full-size artificial multi-sports pitch.
The aquatics hall will be redesigned so that diving, 25-metre and 50-metre swimming, and shallow-water activities can all take place in a single space for the first time.
Indoor facilities will also be expanded with a 100-metre running track, a specialist weightlifting area, a climbing centre and a larger gym. Dedicated spaces for sports clubs and improved accessibility throughout the listed building are also planned.
Outside, proposals include a new community sports area featuring a 200-metre running track, outdoor gym, basketball court, children's play facilities and a café.
The athletics stadium will also be refurbished, including the installation of accessible seating for the first time. The Greater London Authority said it would continue seeking additional funding and partners to complete its longer-term vision for the stadium.
The project has received backing from more than 15 national sports governing bodies and clubs, as well as Historic England, which said the plans would help make the venue "fit for the future".
City Hall said sustainability would be central to the redevelopment, with the design aiming to cut carbon emissions by 98% through measures including rooftop solar panels and air-source heat pumps. A £23m investment from the mayor's Green Finance Fund, announced in 2024, will support the site's transition away from fossil fuels.
Morgan Sindall Construction, appointed last year, will deliver the design and construction of the redevelopment.
Plans to transform the historic Crystal Palace National Sports Centre have been approved, paving the way for construction work to begin later this year on a major redevelopment of the south London venue.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the decision by Bromley Council, describing it as a significant milestone in restoring one of the capital's best-known sporting venues and improving facilities for local communities.
The Grade II*-listed complex, which opened in 1964, has hosted major athletics, swimming and diving events and staged the first Women's FA Cup final. However, the ageing site has long been considered in need of extensive investment.
The redevelopment, first announced by the mayor in 2023, will include a full refurbishment of the 50-metre swimming and diving pools, upgraded indoor sports facilities, improvements to the athletics stadium and new outdoor sports amenities.
New facilities will include a six-court padel centre, 3x3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches and a full-size artificial multi-sports pitch.
The aquatics hall will be redesigned so that diving, 25-metre and 50-metre swimming, and shallow-water activities can all take place in a single space for the first time.
Indoor facilities will also be expanded with a 100-metre running track, a specialist weightlifting area, a climbing centre and a larger gym. Dedicated spaces for sports clubs and improved accessibility throughout the listed building are also planned.
Outside, proposals include a new community sports area featuring a 200-metre running track, outdoor gym, basketball court, children's play facilities and a café.
The athletics stadium will also be refurbished, including the installation of accessible seating for the first time. The Greater London Authority said it would continue seeking additional funding and partners to complete its longer-term vision for the stadium.
The project has received backing from more than 15 national sports governing bodies and clubs, as well as Historic England, which said the plans would help make the venue "fit for the future".
City Hall said sustainability would be central to the redevelopment, with the design aiming to cut carbon emissions by 98% through measures including rooftop solar panels and air-source heat pumps. A £23m investment from the mayor's Green Finance Fund, announced in 2024, will support the site's transition away from fossil fuels.
Morgan Sindall Construction, appointed last year, will deliver the design and construction of the 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.”
Liam Conlon, MP for Beckenham and Penge, said: 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.
“The redevelopment is now firmly on its way, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside essential partners including Sir Sadiq Khan, project director Ben Woods and the Crystal Palace Sports Partnership.”
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.
John Powell MBE, Chair of the Crystal Palace Sports Partnership said: “After over 12 years of campaigning this is a massive moment for London as one of its most iconic sporting venues can at last rise from the ashes. We are indebted to the dozens of partners, not least the GLA and the Mayor of London who have worked tirelessly with us for over a decade to guarantee the future for a huge sporting asset not only for the local community but the wider sporting fraternity.
“The work doesn't stop here though - with planning permission in place we now need to secure willing partners and stakeholders to help with funding and renovating the athletics stadium and complete the return of world class sporting facilities in South London.” Photo by Doyle of London, Wikimedia commons.
