The London Borough of Bromley has granted planning permission for the major redevelopment of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre (CPNSC), which will provide quality sporting facilities for the local community.
According to Morgan Sindall Construction, main contractor of the project, construction work is expected to begin in late 2026.
The approved plans will see the 15ha sports venue, which first opened in 1964, refurbished to modern standards while preserving its historic features.
Key features outlined in the plans include an enlarged gym with twice as many stations, reinstatement of the 50m swimming pool and diving pool to the aquatics hall.
It also includes a new outdoor amenity such as a Padel centre, 3x3 basketball courts, a five-a-side football pitch and a full-size multi-sports pitch.
Furthermore, improvements to accessibility are planned, with new step-free access routes, enhanced lighting and wayfinding across the site.
Morgan Sindall Construction stated that the environmental upgrades will focus on reducing energy demand through a new heating strategy and internal modifications, such as the installation of a glazed screen to separate wet and dry areas.
The refurbishment project, procured through the Southern Construction Framework, features a design team comprising WOO architects, Max Fordham, FaulknerBrowns, Alan Baxter Associates and Currie & Brown.
The redevelopment has received public backing from more than 15 national sports governing bodies, local authority leaders and Historic England, which called the project plans "fit for the future".
At the centre of the plans is a commitment to sustainability, with the upgraded venue targeting a 98% reduction in carbon emissions.
This will be achieved through improvements to the building fabric, installation of photovoltaic panels, and the use of air source heat pumps for heating and cooling.
Morgan Sindall London area director Richard Dobson 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.”
The next phase will focus on detailed design and preparation before construction begins, with City Hall and project partners continuing to seek additional funding and partners for further stadium upgrades.
