Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
We’re working as structural and civil engineers on the transformation of the Grade II* listed Crystal Palace National Sports Centre alongside Morgan Sindall Construction; FaulknerBrowns; Woo Architects; and Max Fordham.
Opened in 1964, the centre comprises an athletics stadium, indoor arena, swimming and diving pools, together with a large gym and a range of internal and external sports facilities. It was built to designs by the London County Council’s architects department, led by Sir Leslie Martin, and has made a significant contribution to the development of British athletics as well as serving as the site of the first Women’s FA Cup final and Grand Prix motor-racing.
Working on a multi-disciplinary team led by Morgan Sindall Construction, this once-in-a-generation redevelopment will include:
A full refurbishment of the main building. This will include improved accessibility, an enlarged gym and new dedicated spaces for sporting clubs.
The creation of a six-court Padel centre, 3x3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches and a full-size artificial multi-sports pitch.
The diving pool and 50m swimming pool will return in the aquatics hall – meaning that shallow water, 25m swimming, 50m swimming and diving will all be provided in one space and on one level for the first time.
Improvements to the indoor sports zones to elevate elite performance by providing year-round use for clubs, athletes and the community
A new community space where sports, leisure, and play combines with a café, 200m running track, a 3x3 basketball court, and an outdoor gym.
Renovations to the existing stands in the stadium including completing the bowl with additional seating. This has been designed in collaboration with athletes to boost the atmosphere at live events.
The project is targeting a 97% reduction in carbon emissions and a 70% reduction in energy demand. It will benefit from a £23m investment boost from the Mayor of London’s Green Finance Fund to enable the centre to become all-electric and reduce carbon emissions, eliminating the reliance on fossil fuels for the first time in its 60-year history.
Client: Greater London Authority (GLA)
Contractor/lead consultant: Morgan Sindall
Architects: FaulknerBrowns and Woo Architects
Images: Courtesy of FalknerBrowns/Pillar Visuals Ltd