The iconic Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is set to reclaim its place as the beating heart of British athletics, following the appointment of Morgan Sindall Construction by the Greater London Authority (GLA) to lead a comprehensive redevelopment of the historic site.

Located at the junction of five London boroughs, Bromley, Croydon, Lewisham, Lambeth, and Southwark, the redevelopment is being procured through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF). The £multi-million scheme will breathe new life into the Grade II-listed venue, restoring it to its former glory while equipping it for a sustainable, modern future.

Spanning over 10 hectares, the Crystal Palace Sports Centre has played host to major moments in sporting history, from the first Women’s FA Cup Final to record-breaking feats in athletics, swimming, and even Grand Prix motor-racing. The revamped venue will feature fully upgraded pools, indoor facilities, external pitches, and the athletics stadium—once again offering world-class facilities to a new generation of aspiring athletes.

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Morgan Sindall's plans include a full redevelopment of all swimming pools, including the 50m competition pool, the 25m pool, and the iconic diving pool—complete with a restored diving tower. A new glazed screen will be constructed to manage environmental and acoustic separation between wet and dry leisure areas, improving comfort and usability during simultaneous events.

The revival of the sports centre is being spearheaded by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who has pledged to create the UK's only 24/7, year-round home for athletics and swimming. Backed by a £23 million investment from the Mayor’s Green Finance Fund, the site will transition to an all-electric, fossil-fuel-free energy system for the first time in its 60-year history, dramatically reducing carbon emissions.

Architectural partners FaulknerBrowns are leading the leisure refurbishment, supported by WOO Architects, who bring Olympic-level expertise in sports masterplanning, sustainability experts Max Fordham, and heritage engineers Alan Baxter Associates.

To support sustainability goals, Morgan Sindall will use its proprietary carbon assessment tool, CarboniCa, to estimate and minimise emissions throughout the project’s lifecycle.

Accessibility will also be a key feature of the redesign, with an upgraded public realm enhancing connections between the sports centre and Crystal Palace railway station, making the venue more accessible to visitors from across London.

As part of its commitment to delivering long-term social value, Morgan Sindall has already begun a wide-reaching programme of community engagement and skills development. Initiatives include the creation of a new Knowledge Quad opening in late 2025, funding through the firm’s Just Transition Fund, and a broad range of education, training, and career opportunities across the five boroughs.