Go ahead for major Crystal Palace National Sports Centre plans

Tibbalds is leading the planning strategy for the £130 million project – part of the project team led by Morgan Sindall on behalf of the Greater London Authority.

The redevelopment will modernise the nationally significant sporting complex while respecting its heritage and landscape setting and making the site more accessible and user friendly.

Plans include the refurbishment of the main sports centre building (including aquatics facilities), improvements to the athletics stadium including an increase in capacity, and the creation of new community sports spaces across the 15-hectare site. New facilities proposed include a six-court padel centre, 3x3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches and a full-size artificial multi-sports pitch, alongside community space with a café, a 200m running track and an outdoor gym. The development will complement the improvements being undertaken to the wider Crystal Palace Park.

Improving access to sport and decarbonising the site are central to the proposals. For example, by completing the stadium bowl, a new step free route is provided north/south through the site. The scheme also targets a 97% reduction in carbon emissions by addressing building performance issues and introducing photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps. 

The redevelopment is backed by the Mayor of London, who has described the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore the iconic sporting venue and ensure it continues to support both community and elite-level sport in the decades ahead.

Rob Moorhouse, Associate Director at Tibbalds, said: “This is a significant milestone in the revitalisation of one of the UK’s most historic sporting venues, one that has a unique role in London’s sporting history and cultural fabric. Approval of these plans secure its long-term future as a leading national sports destination while respecting its unique landscape and heritage setting, including the Grade II* listed main building.

“Throughout the planning process, Tibbalds has worked closely with partners and the local authority, guiding them through the planning process to secure better facilities for all its future users. The range of facilities that will be improved or provided for the community and elite athletes alike at this iconic venue is particularly impressive.” 

The proposals have been developed by a multidisciplinary team including architects FaulknerBrowns, WOO and Turkington Martin, sustainability engineers Max Fordham, movement / link transport consultants Momentum, heritage engineers Alan Baxter Associates and heritage consultant Turley.

Tibbalds has extensive experience supporting the delivery of major leisure and community infrastructure projects. Recent work includes planning and urban design support for the Britannia Project in Hackney, the redevelopment of Woolwich Leisure Centre in Greenwich and helping secure approval for the new Gurnell Leisure Centre in Ealing.