Bromley Council’s Development Control Committee unanimously approved a £130 million regeneration of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on July 23, 2026. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan hailed the project as “once in a generation,” promising a full refurbishment of the Grade II listed building, the return of the 50m swimming and diving pools, and new indoor and outdoor sports facilities in Crystal Palace Park.
Plans for over 20 sports
The site will cater for over 20 different sports, including athletics, climbing, racket and ball sports, swimming, and water sports. Councillors described the proposal as “awesome” and said they “absolutely loved” the plans, believing residents across South London would be “absolutely delighted” to see the centre restored to its former glory.
However, the climbing community raised concerns that the allocated climbing space, though increased from 128sqm to 621sqm, may not be financially sustainable. The British Mountaineering Council and GB Climbing advised that the minimum viable size for an indoor climbing centre is around 700sqm, while most London climbing centres exceed 900sqm.
Climbers' concerns over space
John Mendez, speaking on behalf of the Crystal Palace climbing community, told the committee that the internal layout contained “critical flaws that render a replacement climbing facility undeliverable.” The existing Mount Palace climbing centre will likely close during refurbishment, and an independent operator would need to invest an estimated £1.5 million to fit out the new space, which climbers doubt is commercially viable.
Project director Ben Woods responded that a business plan is being developed to address these concerns, and the project team is “absolutely” committed to keeping climbing at Crystal Palace, aiming for the new facility to be open “all the time.”
Campaigners celebrate approval
John Powell, chair of the Crystal Palace Sports Partnership, said: “After over 12 years of campaigning this is a massive moment for London as one of its most iconic sporting venues can at last rise from the ashes.” He added that the work continues to secure funding and partners for the athletics stadium.
Development Control Committee Chair Alexa Michael praised the scheme, noting the increase in open space in Crystal Palace Park and the sensitive retention of historic heritage. The GLA described the refurbished athletics stadium as “a historic stage, set for tomorrow’s champions.”
