Plans for a ‘once-in-a-generation’ redevelopment of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, including refurbishments to its 50-metre swimming and diving pools, indoor facilities, external pitches and athletics stadium, have been unveiled, with Morgan Sindall at the helm to deliver it.
The historic centre, which opened in 1964, comprises an athletics stadium, indoor arena, swimming and diving pools, together with a large gym and a multitude of other internal and external sports facilities.
Awarded the contract through the Southern Construction Framework, Morgan Sindall Construction will deliver the centre’s design and build, starting with the pre-construction phase of applications.
The redevelopment is expected to take three years, completing in 2028. Major works are planned to start in the second half of next year.
The 60-year-old building redevelopment work is considered complex as it is a Grade II listed structure that needs to be redeveloped in accordance with heritage guidelines.
Under plans, the work includes a complete rebuild of the swimming pools’ structure and improved sporting facilities.
The full costs of the project are confidential due to commercial reasons, however, early improvements have already been completed to the main track, indoor track and the centre, including ‘pop-up’ soft play, café and padel courts.
Richard Dobson, area director for London at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to this project, as the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is an iconic facility that’s not only close to the hearts of people in the area but is also an important historic national sporting landmark.
“The project promises to breathe new life into the extensive sporting facilities, while delivering a wide range of health, wellbeing, and social value benefits for local communities.”
The centre, which had fallen into disrepair, was the site of the first Women’s FA Cup final.
It has also hosted everything from swimming and diving to athletics and Grand Prix motor-racing over the years, and seen 19 world records – Steve Backley set a world record javelin throw of 90.98 meters at Crystal Palace in 1990.
London mayor Sadiq Khan delivered a £23 million investment boost to the build last year, from his Green Finance Fund in support of eliminating the reliance on fossil fuels.
He said: “Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is an historic and much-loved sporting and community facility where many UK sporting stars have started their careers and trained, but which needs major investment and refurbishment.
“I am committed to this once-in-a-generation redevelopment of the site which will secure its future for decades to come.”
Was this interesting? Try: Kier secures historic Sheffield cinema project
If you have a tip or story idea that fits with our publication, please contact danielle@wavenews.co.uk
Get industry news in 5 minutes!
A daily email that makes industry news enjoyable. It’s completely free.
