The £130 million revamp of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has been approved, clearing the way for a major upgrade of one of London’s largest athletics venues.
Renovation plans include new pools and courts
The redevelopment will transform the 25,000-capacity stadium, adding an upgraded swimming and diving pool, a padel centre, 3×3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches, and a full-size artificial multi-sports pitch.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the centre a “historic and much-loved national sports facility” that has produced countless UK sporting stars. “It needs major investment and refurbishment, and I am committed to delivering this,” he said.
The upgraded athletics arena would become London’s 12th largest stadium and the second biggest track-and-field venue after West Ham United’s London Stadium. It would also rank among the largest sports sites south of the Thames, alongside Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park (26,000 capacity) and Millwall’s Den (20,000).
A once-in-a-generation project for South London
Liam Conlon, MP for Beckenham and Penge, described the approval as a “major milestone” for the area. “Crystal Palace was once known as the spiritual home of UK Athletics, but the site has become increasingly run down,” he said. “This once-in-a-generation project will deliver a revitalised centre, providing opportunities for local people and inspiring the next generation of Team GB Olympians and Paralympians.”
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The centre’s decline has been evident for years, with pools closed and the stadium showing signs of wear.
For many, the project carries symbolic weight. The track has hosted major events like the World Athletics Tour and Diamond League, where legends like Sebastian Coe, Steve Ovett, and Usain Bolt set records. Elena Isinbaeva, the first woman to pole vault over five metres, also competed there.
The approval comes as other London venues undergo changes. Selhurst Park, home to Crystal Palace FC, is set for its own redevelopment, while reports have suggested Women’s Super League team London City Lionesses could relocate to the sports centre.
The track that once saw world records fall could soon see them rise again.
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