Historic England has welcomed plans submitted on behalf of the Greater London Authority (GLA) for the redevelopment of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in the heart of Crystal Palace Park.
The government’s adviser on the historic environment praised the carefully considered approach taken to retain and enhance what makes the Grade II* listed building special, alongside substantial improvements to access, sustainability and energy efficiency to deliver a modern sports centre that better serves users’ needs.
Tom Foxall, Regional Director at Historic England, said: “The Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is a much-loved building with an innovative and memorable post-war design. These proposals will transform the centre into a sporting facility fit for the future, dramatically improving its energy efficiency while maintaining the key characteristics which contribute to its architectural significance – including the visual dominance of the concrete A-frame and sense of open space inside.”
“We’re pleased to have contributed to positive pre-application discussions, helping shape a sustainable long-term future for this architecturally striking public sports centre and the community it serves.”
Historic England backs the addition of a new glazed partition to separate the ‘wet’ pool area from the other ‘dry’ sporting zones. This will improve environmental conditions inside without compromising the feel of a large, naturally lit, open plan interior that is key to the building’s significance as well as its appeal to users.
The proposals seek to improve circulation within the building by removing non-original additions, which Historic England advises would improve the entrance area and café space, and allow the original design to be better appreciated.
Lee Askey, Operations Director at Morgan Sindall, said: “Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is an internationally recognised cultural landmark, and protecting its character has been central to our approach from the outset. At the same time, this project presents a once in a generation opportunity to dramatically improve the building’s environmental performance and accessibility. In collaboration with Historic England through a detailed pre-application engagement process, we have developed proposals that respect the centre’s heritage while enabling it to operate as a sustainable, inclusive venue fit for the future.”
The National Sports Centre (NSC) was built between 1960-64 by the London County Council Architect’s department and initially overseen by the renowned Modernist architect, Leslie Martin. Its architectural and historic significance is reflected in its listing at Grade II*. Buildings can be listed at Grade II, II* or I. Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest. Around 5.8% of listed buildings are Grade II*.
The NSC sits within Crystal Palace Park, a Grade II* registered park and garden which borders five London boroughs – Bromley, Croydon, Lewisham, Lambeth, and Southwark.
Historic England acknowledges that there will be some loss of original materials during redevelopment but the overall Morgan Sindall scheme, with a design team comprising FaulknerBrowns, WOO Architects, Max Fordham, Alan Baxter Associates, and Turley, has great merit that will enhance the building and its landscape setting.
Further information on the glazing scheme and various replacement materials has been requested so they can be designed to be as high quality and effective as possible while visually unobtrusive and in keeping with the original design intent.
