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Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, London

Once-in-a-generation transformation of an iconic venue

  • CLIENT: Morgan Sindall Construction
  • LOCATION: Crystal Palace, London
  • AREA: 15 hectares
  • SERVICES: Lead Designer

WOO architects is providing its global sports architecture and masterplanning expertise to help revive and reimagine the iconic Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in London.

Appointed as lead designer for the masterplan, WOO’s role includes the refurbishment of the National Athletics Stadium, the stage for numerous athletics world records and once home to the London Grand Prix, as well as the redevelopment of the external sports pitches, and a range of community-focused amenities across the site. The work will celebrate the site’s heritage and preserve historic features.

Opened in 1964, the extensive Grade II* Listed multisports complex is firmly embedded in sporting history including being the place where Sebastian Coe set a UK outdoor record in the 800 meters and a bare-footed Zola Budd broke the world 5,000m record. The centre comprises an athletics stadium, indoor arena, swimming and diving pools, together with a large gym and other internal and external sports facilities. A number of short-term improvements have already taken place including repairing the athletics track, installing temporary floodlighting, creating a café and soft play facility and upgrading the fitness gym.

Securing the long-term future of this historic venue as the home of UK athletics once more, this latest comprehensive upgrade and redevelopment will ensure that Crystal Palace becomes a centre of excellence providing state-of-the-art facilities for a new generation of athletes.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan ‘I am committed to this once-in-a-generation redevelopment of the site which will secure its future for decades to come. I want to see Diamond League events at Crystal Palace. I grew up watching Seb Coe, Steve Ovett, Steve Cram and Daley Thompson competing at Crystal Palace. They were magical nights. It’s been neglected, but I want Crystal Palace to be restored to its former glory.

Peter Richardson, Director of Sports at WOO said, ‘Crystal Palace is an iconic venue with a rich sporting legacy and deep cultural significance, and we’re excited by the GLA’s ambition behind the project. I’m looking forward to reimagining its future and creating a truly inclusive, future-ready venue that not only celebrates elite sport, but also fosters community wellbeing and participation. We are delighted to be part of the Morgan Sindall team.’