Plans have been approved for the £130m transformation of a historic sports stadium – including the return of its Olympic-standard swimming and diving pools.
The planning application was formally approved by Bromley Council’s Development Control Committee during a meeting at Bromley Civic Centre at 7.30pm on Thursday (23 Jul).
Andrew Rogers, head of public affairs at Bromley Council, confirmed the news exclusively to Whats The Jam.
READ MORE: Jadon Sancho spotted on lads’ holiday – £73m star STILL clubless weeks before season starts
- Advertisement -
The once-in-a-generation project will rescue the run-down Crystal Palace National Sports Centre and create new facilities including a padel centre, indoor running track, football pitches and accessible stadium seating.
Work is expected to begin on the 15-hectare South London site later this year.
The centre opened in 1964 and was once regarded as the spiritual home of UK athletics.
It was the site of the first Women’s FA Cup final and has hosted world-class swimming, diving and athletics – but its pools have been closed for years and its stadium has become tired.
The redevelopment will include a complete refurbishment of the Grade II-listed sports centre building, an enlarged gym and dedicated spaces for sporting clubs.
- Advertisement -
A six-court padel centre, 3×3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches and a full-size artificial multi-sports pitch will also be created.
The plans will allow shallow-water swimming, 25m and 50m swimming and diving to be offered in the same space and on one level for the first time.
Indoor facilities will include a 100m running track, specialist weightlifting area and climbing centre.
- Advertisement -
A new community space will feature a 200m track, outdoor gym, basketball court, play facilities and café.
The stadium is also due to be refurbished and redeveloped, with accessible seating introduced for the first time in its history.
Project chiefs previously said they wanted the wider redevelopment completed by 2029 and the stadium fully operational the following year.
However, the Mayor is continuing to seek partners and funding to deliver the full long-term vision for the stadium.
The development has been supported by more than 15 national sporting bodies and clubs, alongside local political leaders and Historic England.
But 406 objections were submitted to Bromley Council, compared with 390 representations in support, according to the BBC.
The project is targeting a 98% reduction in carbon emissions through measures including solar panels and air-source heat pumps.
A £23m investment from the Mayor’s Green Finance Fund was awarded in 2024 to help make the centre all-electric and end its reliance on fossil fuels.
Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to design and build the redeveloped centre.
Speaking on the latest approval, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I’m delighted that planning approval has been granted for this once-in-a-generation redevelopment of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.
“This historic and much-loved national sports facility has created so many UK sporting stars, but it needs major investment and refurbishment and I am committed to delivering this.
“We now look forward to starting the next phase of work alongside partners and the local community to create an outstanding sporting venue, as we work together to build a better London for everyone.”
Liam Conlon, MP for Beckenham and Penge, added: “This is a major milestone and a massive moment for South London.
“Crystal Palace was once known as the spiritual home of UK Athletics, but the site has become increasingly run down, with the pools closed for years and the stadium looking tired.
“Backed by our Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, this once-in-a-generation project will deliver a revitalised centre, providing opportunities for local people in our area, and inspiring the next generation of Team GB Olympians and Paralympians.”
John Powell MBE, chair of the Crystal Palace Sports Partnership, said the approval followed more than 12 years of campaigning.
He added: “The work doesn’t stop here though – with planning permission in place we now need to secure willing partners and stakeholders to help with funding and renovating the athletics stadium and complete the return of world-class sporting facilities in South London.”
READ MORE: England superfan who blew £90,000 watching World Cup exit slams Tuchel’s tactics
