Sadiq Khan pledges millions to revamp Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
The money – believed to be in the single millions – is being spent to revitalise a track that used to be the home for elite athletics in London but has slowly gone to ruin.
The revamp is expected to take up to five years to reach completion but could prove the new home for the sport in the capital amid doubts over its long-term future at the London Stadium.
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre opened in 1964 and used to host the London Grand Prix, featuring elite athletes from Seb Coe to Usain Bolt during its prime.
Money had already been put aside to repair the swimming facilities at the centre but there were doubts over both the indoor and outdoor athletics tracks. A planning application is expected to go in next year with building work beginning in 2025.
Khan said: “Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is a historic and much-loved sporting and community facility where many UK sporting stars have started their careers and trained, but which is in need of major investment and refurbishment.
“I am completely committed to this once-in-a-generation redevelopment of the site which will secure its future for decades to come.
“While work continues apace on our vision for the long-term future of the centre, I am delighted to announce that we intend to make a number of early improvements that we hope will make a huge difference to users of the centre.
“Over the coming months, we will continue to work closely with key stakeholders – including sporting bodies and wider community groups – to deliver an outstanding venue that our capital and our country can be proud of.”