Crystal Palace Sports Centre Set for £130m Transformation

Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to lead a major £130 million overhaul of the iconic Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in south London, marking a significant step forward in securing the future of one of the capital’s most historic sporting venues.

The appointment, made by the Greater London Authority through the Southern Construction Framework, signals the beginning of a pre-construction phase involving detailed planning applications and listed building consent. Full-scale works are expected to begin in the latter half of next year.

The ambitious scheme will see the comprehensive refurbishment of the centre’s ageing facilities, including a complete rebuild of the 50-metre swimming and diving pools. Upgrades are also planned for the indoor sports halls, external pitches and the athletics stadium, revitalising the venue while carefully preserving its Grade II* listed architecture.

First opened in 1964, the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has long been a launchpad for British sporting talent. However, decades of wear have left the site in urgent need of modernisation.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan commented: “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.”

The complex nature of the refurbishment is compounded by the need to work sensitively within the constraints of a protected structure, ensuring that heritage features are preserved while modernising the facility to meet current sporting and community needs.

Richard Dobson, area director for London at Morgan Sindall Construction, 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.”

The redevelopment is seen as a critical investment in London’s sporting infrastructure and a timely commitment to community health and wellbeing, as well as preserving a legacy site for future generations.