“Once-in-a-generation” plans for Crystal Palace sports centre

Ambitious plans have been submitted for a “once-in-a- generation redevelopment” of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in South London.

The transformative renovation of the historic facility will include a major refurbishment of the 50m swimming and diving pools, improvements to the indoor facilities, new external pitches and the redevelopment of the athletics stadium.

Architects FaulknerBrowns are working in collaboration with Morgan Sindall on the plans, which will see the regeneration of the 15-hectare site. The venue is owned by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and operated by GLL.

Among the key aspects of the proposed work include a full refurbishment of the Grade II*-listed Crystal Palace National Sports Centre building, the creation of a six-court Padel centre, 3x3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches and a full-size artificial multi-sports pitch.

Sustainability is at the heart of the project, with the new design targeting a 97 per cent reduction in carbon emissions through sustainable construction choices, such as adding photovoltaic panels to the centre’s roof and using air source heat pumps to provide heating and cooling.

Commenting on the plans, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “This is an historic and much-loved national sporting and community facility, where many UK sporting stars have started their careers.”