Planning application submitted for the transformation of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre

Tibbalds is leading the planning strategy for the £130 million project, including pre-application engagement and the coordination and submission of applications for full planning permission and listed building consent to the London Borough of Bromley, We are working as part of the project team led by Morgan Sindall on behalf of the Greater London Authority.

The proposals aim to secure the long-term future of the Centre, include the Grade II* listed main building, through a programme of refurbishment and new facilities focused on three core themes – heritage, sport and sustainability. 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 16,000 seater athletics and, 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.

Sustainability is central to the proposals, with the scheme targeting a 97% reduction in carbon emissions through measures including photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps. The project will also address long-standing building performance issues and improve accessibility across the site.

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: “Crystal Palace plays a unique role in London’s sporting history and cultural fabric. These proposals will help bring the Centre back to life as a leading national sports destination while respecting its unique landscape and heritage setting."

Tibbalds has, and continue to, focus on guiding the proposals through the planning process, working closely with partners and the local authority to ensure the plans will deliver the modern, sustainable facilities the site deserves. It is particularly pleasing that the proposals will provide new and enhanced facilitates for all users.

The proposals have been developed by a multidisciplinary team including architects FaulknerBrowns, WOO and Turkington Martin, sustainability engineers Max Fordham, 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.