The National Sports Centre has stood in the middle of the Crystal Palace Park since 1964.
The opening of the now Grade II-listed building was a landmark moment, designed by the same architect as the Southbank Centre.
Over the years, locals have flocked here for a morning swim, a spot of tennis, or a run around the athletics track.
But after more than 60 years of service, the leisure centre has seen better days — its swimming pool and iconic diving board were both closed in 2020 due to structural cracks.
Now though, the National Sports Centre is finally getting a facelift.
With an investment worth a staggering £23,000,000, the Mayor of London has confirmed that planning proposals to transform the building (including it’s indoor arena and outdoor athletics track) have officially been submitted.
Overseen by Morgan Sindall Construction, who were appointed last year, plans have been lodged to Bromley Council, which detail new facilities including a larger gym, dedicated activity spaces for sports clubs, a six-court padel centre, three basketball courts, multiple five-a-side football pitches, and another artificial pitch.
While the centre remains open for the moment, once the plans get fully underway, it’ll need to close, which the Evening Standard reports could happen by the end of 2026.
The project is aiming for a 2028 opening, but the stadium won’t be finished until 2030.
Both the diving pool and the 50-metre swimming pool will also reopen,plus, there’ll be a new cafe, a 200-metre-long running track, and an outdoor gym.
Sadiq Khan said he was ‘delighted that the once-in-a-generation redevelopment… has reached another key milestone’, describing the site as ‘historic and much-loved.’
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It’s certainly got a long history. The centre hosted the first ever Women’s FA Cup Final in 1971.
Sadiq also added that it’s served as a launching pad for the careers of many sporting stars, but that it ‘needs major investment and refurbishment.’
‘I am pleased with the positive progress that has been made so far, and 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, fairer London for all,’ he said.
Locals are pretty happy at the news, with many recalling nostalgic tales of spending time at the centre.
On Facebook, Paul Harmon reminisced: ‘Magnificent centre, did some of my swimming and lifesaving teaching there,’ and Sam Reeves said it’s ‘about time they updated it.’
Rosie Flint added that she was ‘so excited’ for this milestone, writing: ‘Give it a few years and this will definitely be the best park in London.’
Fidelma Forrest said the news was ‘music’ to their ears, writing that they’ve been ‘heartbroken looking at the disintegration of this facility.’
And, Jenn Coleman recalled happy memories of taking her child to swim there. She added: ‘So great to see it saved for future generations to come. Thank you to all who made it happen.’
Crystal Palace — without the price tag
Want to be within prime access of this sparkling new sports centre but don’t quite have the budget for Crystal Palace?
Tucked away between Crystal Palace and Anerley, Penge in South London was shaped as a Victorian suburb after the railways were built – but last year, it was named one of the UK’s coolest neighbourhoods.
It’s notably cheaper than its slightly bougier neighbour (to the tune of almost £20,000), making it a solid choice for those wanting to soak up the vibes of Crystal Palace without shelling out to quite the same extent.
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