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In pictures | Morgan Sindall unveils plans for Crystal Palace sports hub
Nadine Buddoo CM People Editor
CGIs of the proposed overhaul of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre have been released. Image: Woo Architects
Proposals for the transformation of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre (CPNSC) have been submitted by Morgan Sindall Construction to the London Borough of Bromley.
The refurbishment project has been procured using the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), with Morgan Sindall appointed as the main contractor.
The submitted plans detail the transformation of the Grade II*-listed sports centre, which opened in 1964.
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The upgrade aims to modernise the 15-hectare site while showcasing its heritage and historic features. This will include enhancing facilities to support sports from grassroots up to national elite level, with a focus on accessible design upgrades and extensive sustainability improvements.
The proposed work will involve a full refurbishment of the sports centre, expanding existing facilities and creating spaces for clubs and community use.
The project includes upgrades to sports facilities and community spaces. Image: Woo Architects
A focus on accessibility and sustainability
As part of the project, the aquatics hall’s 50m pool will be restored, with shallow and 25m swimming added in a single, accessible space.
Indoor and outdoor sports facilities will also be expanded with new courts, pitches and a padel centre, alongside upgrades to the stadium stands and a new North Stand to enhance events.
The new design is targeting a 97% reduction in carbon emissions. This will be achieved through a range of sustainable measures, including photovoltaic panels on the centre’s roof and air-source heat pumps for heating and cooling.
Morgan Sindall is working on the project with the mayor of London, sports masterplan specialist WOO Architects, decarbonisation specialist Max Fordham, architect Faulkner Browns, and engineer and heritage conservation specialist Alan Baxter Associates.
Existing stands in the stadium will be renovated, alongside a new North Stand. Image: Woo Architects
‘Ambitious and different’ project
Richard Dobson, area director for Morgan Sindall in London, said: “The ideas that have been laid out in the planning application for Crystal Palace National Sports Centre’s transformative regeneration represent something quite ambitious and different.
“Everyone working on this scheme has pushed hard to make the design a showcase in what a modern, sustainable, inclusive and community-centred leisure centre should look like – all while paying homage to the venue’s inspiring legacy.
“This combination of driving factors means the site will not only reclaim its original vision of being a ‘glass pavilion in the park’ that supports the health and wellbeing of Londoners, but we will have laid the groundwork for a centre of excellence where a new generation of athletes can break and set their own records.”
Accessibility improvements are proposed across the whole site, including a new step-free route between the Penge and Crystal Palace sides of the park. Image: Woo Architects
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan added: “This is a historic and much-loved national sporting and community facility, where many UK sporting stars have started their careers and trained, but it needs major investment and refurbishment, and I am committed to supporting this.
“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.”
