Abandoned 15,500‑seater stadium set for major revival with club ‘in talks’ over potential move

An abandoned London stadium could finally be brought back into regular use, with London City Lionesses reportedly exploring a move to one of the capital's most historic sporting venues.

Early talks over the National Sports Centre in Crystal Palace Park could give the forgotten 15,500-capacity ground a fresh future in the Women's Super League.

London City Lionesses in talks to move to National Sports Centre site

Women's Super League outfit London City Lionesses have reportedly held early discussions with the Mayor of London's office over relocating to the National Sports Centre stadium in Crystal Palace Park.

While no agreement has yet been reached, the Women's Super League club are understood to be exploring the possibility of making the historic south London venue their new home.

The move would represent a significant step up in capacity, with the National Sports Centre able to accommodate around 15,500 spectators compared to the approximately 6,000 seats available at Hayes Lane, where the Lionesses currently groundshare with Bromley.

London City attracted a highest attendance of 5,414 during their maiden WSL campaign last season, while averaging around 3,000 supporters as Michele Kang's ambitious club continues to pursue long-term growth.

The National Sports Centre has a rich footballing history but has largely fallen into disuse in recent decades.

Opened in 1964, with the Jubilee Stand completed in 1977, it was the original home of Crystal Palace and staged the first Women's FA Cup final in 1971.

Since athletics shifted to London's Olympic Stadium following the 2012 Games, the venue has seen little investment and has become one of the capital's most underused major sporting facilities.

However, regeneration plans are now progressing after a planning application was submitted earlier this year to modernise the stadium, surrounding sports pitches and the Grade II-listed indoor sports centre, with further investment expected if approval is granted.

FGG says: National Sports Centre deserves another chance

The National Sports Centre has spent years as one of British sport's forgotten venues despite its rich history, so this is a genuinely intriguing possibility.

If a deal can be reached, London City Lionesses would gain a stadium with far greater room to grow, while one of London's most iconic but underused grounds would finally get the regular footballing purpose it has been crying out for.