Crystal Palace Sports Centre is set for a major upgrade after Bromley Council's Development Control Committee granted planning permission for its extensive refurbishment and enhancement. The approved plans include the demolition of several existing buildings, including the 25m Pool Building, Lodge Tower, and Lower Buildings, to make way for a revitalised sports complex.
The Grade II* listed National Sports Centre (Main Building) will undergo significant refurbishment. These 'heritage enhancements' include the installation of a frameless glazed screen to separate the pool area from the main sports hall, preserving the building's A-frame structure. The pool hall itself will be renovated, featuring movable boom dividers for the 50m swimming and diving pool, and the learner pool will be upgraded to a 25m facility. Circulation will be rationalised by removing non-original additions, and lift access will be relocated to improve public and café spaces. The lower ground floor will be transformed into a gym with external walls replaced by glazing, and additional sports facilities will be introduced outside the footprint of the listed building. The existing glazing will be replaced with a new system that closely matches the original appearance, and the original teak soffit will be replaced with timber of a similar appearance. The roof will be replaced with green anodised zinc, incorporating photovoltaic panels. A discrete enclosure for air source heat pumps will be located to the west side of the building. The demolition of the 1975 pool extension and the locally listed Lodge Tower and Lodge buildings is also part of the plan, aiming to return the land to open parkland.
Beyond the swimming pool and athletics stadium, extensive improvements are planned for both indoor and outdoor sports facilities. The Indoor Sports Zone will see the refurbishment of the former bar and 5-a-side building, with upgraded external facades and building fabric. This area will be reconfigured to include a dedicated weightlifting, strength and conditioning area, an upgraded indoor athletic area with a sprint track, long jump and high jump facilities, and a viewing platform. The former 5-a-side hall is being repurposed as a climbing facility, with the proposed floor space for climbing increasing significantly from 128 sqm to 621 sqm, and a dedicated reception area will also be provided.
Outdoor sports facilities will also be enhanced, including a new Sports Plaza featuring three basketball courts, an 18-metre triple jump facility, outdoor gym equipment, and a climbing structure with associated bleacher seating. Padel tennis courts and basketball courts will be created where the external pool building currently stands, and the existing beach volleyball area will be retained. A full-size multi-sport artificial pitch will replace existing 3G pitches to the north, and a U7 grass junior football pitch is proposed to the northwest.
Historic England has raised no objection to the plans, noting that while some harm would occur to the heritage assets, it is outweighed by the public benefits and heritage enhancements. Sport England also raised no objection, subject to conditions regarding the replacement hockey pitch. These conditions stipulate that the replacement artificial grass pitch must be certified to meet FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf – FIFA Quality and appropriate Federation of International Hockey Certification for competitive play. Details confirming the facility's registration on the Football Association's Register of Football Turf Pitches must also be submitted. A planning condition will address the requirements for competitive hockey, and if a suitable dual surface is not available, football will still be able to use the AGP for training.
Objections were received regarding the loss of indoor climbing facilities and the impact on motorsport heritage, but these were deemed to be outweighed by the overall benefits of the scheme. The applicant states that the detailed operational management of the re-provided climbing facilities, including arrangements during event days, will be determined by the future operator. Officers consider that potential impacts to existing indoor climbing incumbent clubs can be minimised or avoided, subject to the details of an operational management plan.
The project aims to enhance the quality of sports provision, improve accessibility, and secure the long-term viability of the centre. The refurbishment is seen as a once-in-a-generation opportunity
to restore and renew the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, re-establishing it as a premier multi-sport destination. The project is expected to deliver substantial community, social, health, and economic benefits. Further details on the approved plans can be found in the Public reports pack for the Development Control Committee meeting on Thursday 23 July 2026 Public reports pack Thursday 23-Jul-2026 19.30 Development Control Committee.pdf.
