Mayor unveils new images showcasing major improvements to Crystal Palace National Sports Centre

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has unveiled new images that showcase the once-in-a-generation redevelopment Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, which will include major refurbishment of the 50m swimming and diving pools and improvements to the indoor facilities, external pitches and athletics stadium.

Opened in 1964, the centre comprises an athletics stadium, indoor arena, swimming and diving pools, together with a large gym and a multitude of other internal and external sports facilities. 

The historic venue was the site of the first Women’s FA Cup final, and has hosted everything from swimming and diving to athletics and Grand Prix motor-racing over the years – but is now in need of major investment.

Sadiq announced plans for a redevelopment of the site in summer 2023 to upgrade sporting facilities for the local community and following a number of recent short-term improvements, he today unveiled new concept images showcasing how the centre is being developed to look in three years, with completion on target for 2028.

The new images come as the Mayor confirmed the appointment of Morgan Sindall Construction to deliver the design and build of the centre. They will begin a pre-construction period immediately, which will include detailed applications for planning and listed building consent, before major works are planned to commence in the second half of next year.

The comprehensive redevelopment will include a complete rebuild of the swimming pools’ structure and improved sporting facilities. A number of short-term improvements have already taken place over the past 12 months, including repairing the athletics track, installing temporary floodlighting, creating a café and soft play facility and upgrading the fitness gym.

Last year Sadiq delivered a £23m investment boost from his Green Finance Fund to support the centre to go all-electric and reduce carbon emissions, eliminating the reliance on fossil fuels for the first time in its 60-year history.

The redevelopment work is particularly complex as the 60-year-old building that houses the swimming pools and indoor facilities has a protected grade II* listed structure that needs to be redeveloped in accordance with heritage guidelines. Morgan Sindall Construction provides extensive experience of sports and leisure developments and key decarbonisation, sustainability and heritage expertise.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is an historic and much-loved sporting and community facility where many UK sporting stars have started their careers and trained, but which needs major investment and refurbishment.

“I am committed to this once-in-a-generation redevelopment of the site which will secure its future for decades to come.

“With short-term improvements already delivered and Morgan Sindall Construction now appointed to deliver the design and build of the centre, 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, healthy London for all.”

Richard Dobson, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Area Director for London, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to this project, as the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is an iconic facility that’s not only close to the hearts of people in the area but is also an important historic national sporting landmark.

“We look forward to continuing our close and collaborative relationship with the Greater London Authority on this regeneration, which has been procured through the SCF framework.

“The project promises to breathe new life into the extensive sporting facilities, while delivering a wide range of health, wellbeing, and social value benefits for local communities.”

Liam Conlon, Member of Parliament for Beckenham and Penge said: “I am delighted to see the appointment of a developer to deliver the multi-million-pound refurbishment of this Grade-II listed building. Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is the spiritual home of UK athletics, the site of 19 world records and a cherished community asset.

“The re-opening of the 50m Olympic sized swimming pool and refurbishment of the athletics facilities will secure these facilities for use by local residents and elite athletes for many years to come.

“I am particularly pleased that the planned installation of lifts means the facility will be accessible to more of our community for the first time.

“I’m grateful to the Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, Project Manager Ben Woods, local Crystal Palace councillors Ruth McGregor and Ryan Thomson and the community-led Crystal Palace Sports Partnership for their continued hard work on this project. I look forward to continuing to work with them.”

Cllr Ruth McGregor, Councillor for Crystal Palace and Anerley, said: “I’m delighted the works to the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre are now going ahead.

“As a long-term user of the sports centre, along with my children who learned diving, gymnastics and trampolining there, as well as attending the Diamond League athletics and numerous other events at the National Sports Centre, the news of the development works is very welcome.

“I know Crystal Palace residents have been looking forward to this upgrade for a long time and it is more great news for South London.”

Cllr Ryan Thomson, Councillor for Crystal Palace and Anerley, Crystal Palace and Anerley, said: “The Crystal Palace National Sports Centre holds such a special place within our community and the wider sporting world – with so many of us having trained, played sports, and built lifelong memories with our families and friends there.

“We are thrilled to see this iconic venue in the heart of Crystal Palace being restored to its former glory.

“A huge thank you to Sir Sadiq Khan, the GLA and of course the tireless efforts of the Crystal Palace Sports Partnership in making this once-in-a-generation restoration of the NSC happen.”