Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in South London
13 March 2026
Design: WOO architects and FaulknerBrowns
Location: South London, England
Images: FaulknerBrowns / Pillar Visuals
Planning submitted for major transformation of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
FaulknerBrowns are working in collaboration with Morgan Sindall and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to breathe new life into the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.
Plans have now been submitted towards the restoration, with FaulknerBrowns leading on the leisure refurbishment of the iconic national facility’s main building, resolving historic challenges while respecting the significant Grade II* listed heritage.
WOO architects has been appointed lead designer for the masterplan, bringing expertise in sports architecture
and sustainable placemaking. Their role covers the refurbishment of the iconic 1960s National Athletics Stadium,
redevelopment of external sports pitches, and new community amenities, preserving the site’s historic character
while improving performance, accessibility, and environmental resilience.
The vision: One Park
The ‘One Park’ masterplan reimagines the sports centre’s relationship with its surroundings. A new network of
public routes and sporting zones draws the park through the heart of the site, creating an integrated, open and
accessible sporting landscape. At its core is the new ‘Stadium Loop’, a step-free route that connects the site’s
levels, improves accessibility, and provides the framework for additional spectator seating to support major
events.
Restoring the athletics stadium
The refurbishment of the athletics stadium retains the clarity of the original 1960s design while delivering modern
improvements to accessibility, safety and spectator experience, restoring Crystal Palace’s status as one of the UK’s
leading track and field venues, capable of hosting elite competition at every level.
Revitalising indoor sport
Alongside the pool and building works, the centre’s broader indoor facilities will be comprehensively upgraded to
create a year-round hub for both high-performance training and community sport. The designs introduce state-ofthe-art training environments alongside flexible spaces designed to serve a wide range of users – from elite
athletes preparing for major competition to local clubs and everyday visitors.
A new civic heart
A new sports plaza will form the social heart of the revitalised venue, sitting between the stadium, indoor sports
zone and main building. It will feature a 200m running track, outdoor gym, padel courts, 3×3 basketball, 5-a-side
pitches, a multi-sport pitch and a café. A vibrant, active destination for the local community every day, not just on
event days.
Kevin Owens, Founding Director at WOO said, ‘’Crystal Palace holds a unique place in the nation’s sporting
history, and the GLA’s ambition for its renewal is truly inspiring. Submitting for planning is a key step in
safeguarding Crystal Palace National Sports Centre as a vital public asset for London.”
“The new design strengthens the site’s historic character while improving accessibility and sustainability across the
estate, honouring Crystal Palace’s extraordinary legacy while designing a more inclusive, sustainable, and futureproofed centre that can serve athletes, clubs, and communities for generations.”
“We’re excited to reimagine the site as a vibrant, flexible canvas for sport, activity and social life – and proud to be
partnering with Morgan Sindall to help deliver this transformative vision.”
Project scope and design
The submitted proposals introduce vast improvements and benefits to the facility, improving accessibility,
environmental sustainability, and user experience.
Key proposal highlights include:
→ Improved accessibility and inclusivity
Making the multi-levelled and complex interior more accessible and inclusive. Wayfinding enhancements
ensure that spaces are intuitive and accessible for all.
→ Addressing the building fabric
Making extensive upgrades to the heritage facades to improve the thermal performance and reduce
operational energy use without compromising the heritage features. A heritage-led approach that celebrates
this unique modernist piece of architecture.
→ Addressing the current open plan layout
Introducing a new, glazed dividing screen between the pool hall and the remainder of the building will for the
first time create environmental separation between the two spaces and improve user comfort.
→ Decarbonising the building
Removing fossil fuel systems and introducing new heat pumps and photovoltaic cells to maximise carbon
savings.
→ Reversal of the ventilation strategy
Introducing a new displacement ventilation system together with the proposed environmental screen between
the Pool Hall and Main Sports Hall, will result in improved thermal comfort for building users in both halls. This
proposal provides a more efficient solution that requires less energy to operate.
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in South London, UK – Building Information
Architects: WOO architects – https://wooarchitects.com/ and FaulknerBrowns – https://faulknerbrowns.com/
Client: Greater London Authority/Crystal Palace
Design Team
Masterplan: WOO architects
Landscape: Turkington Martin and WOO architects
Sports Centre: Faulkner Browns
Construction: Morgan Sindall Construction
Landscape design:Turkington Martin
Structural engineering: Alan Baxter
MEP: Max Fordham
Heritage consultant: Turley
Youth engagement: Beyond the Box
Renders: FaulknerBrowns / Pillar Visuals
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, South London, England images / information received 130326
Crystal Palace Park Cafe in London images / information received 130316
Location: Crystal Palace, London, UK
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