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SportsCrystal Palace National Sports Centre £130m revamp approved
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Plans for a £130 million refurbishment of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in south London have been approved. The project will renovate the 25,000-capacity athletics arena, making it the 12th largest stadium in London and the second largest track and field venue after the London Stadium. The refurbishment includes a revamped swimming and diving pool, a padel centre, 3x3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches, and a full-size artificial multi-sports pitch. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and local MP Liam Conlon praised the project as a major investment for the area, aiming to revive the historic site that once hosted world records by athletes like Sebastian Coe, Usain Bolt, and Elena Isinbaeva. There have been reports that WSL side London City Lionesses could relocate to the stadium.
Source report
Plans for Major South London Stadium Refurbishment Approved
Plans for the £130 million refurbishment of a major 25,000-capacity stadium at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre have been given the green light.
The approved planning application includes a revamped swimming and diving pool, as well as a padel centre, 3×3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches, and a full-size artificial multi-sports pitch.
Mayor's Commitment
"This historic and much-loved national sports facility has created so many UK sporting stars," said Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. "But it needs major investment and refurbishment and I am committed to delivering this."
Stadium Capacity and Context
A full 25,000-seat revamp of the athletics arena would make it:
- The 12th biggest stadium in London
- The second largest track and field arena after West Ham United's London Stadium
It would join other London venues of a similar size operating south of the river, including:
- Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park (26,000 capacity) – soon to be revamped itself
- Millwall's The Den (20,000 capacity)
There have been reports that WSL side London City Lionesses could relocate to the stadium.
Local Reaction
Liam Conlon, MP for Beckenham and Penge, said: "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.
"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."
Historic Legacy
The track previously hosted the World Athletics Tour and Diamond League before the Olympics, with numerous world records set there by athletes including:
- Sebastian Coe
- Steve Ovett
- Steve Cram
- Elena Isinbaeva – who became the first woman to clear a pole vault height of over five metres
- Usain Bolt
- Haile Gebrselassie
Source
City AMWestern
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Crystal Palace National Sports Centre £130m Revamp Approved