Forgotten London stadium given £130m redevelopment green light – it hasn’t been used in 10 years

One of Britain's most historic sporting venues is finally set for a new chapter after a decade of decline.

Plans to regenerate the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre have now been approved, paving the way for a £130 million transformation.

Crystal Palace National Sports Centre set for major revival in £130m plans

Bromley Council has approved plans for a £130 million overhaul of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, breathing new life into a venue that has largely stood dormant for the past ten years, per the BBC.

The Grade II*-listed complex, which first opened in 1964, will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment that includes upgraded swimming and diving facilities, improved indoor sports areas, enhanced accessibility and new outdoor community spaces.

The project, led by the Greater London Authority and backed by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, is targeting completion in 2028.

The venue has long been regarded as one of the homes of British athletics, hosting 28 world records during its history and welcoming stars including Usain Bolt and Sir Mo Farah.

A huge hurdle cleared for Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, which has just been given the green light for a once-in-a-generation redevelopment.

I'm committed to restoring this iconic venue and giving it the future it deserves. https://t.co/fyh5UiwADT

— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) July 24, 2026

However, the Diamond League departed in 2012, and the Olympic-sized swimming pool closed in 2020, leaving large parts of the complex unused.

From a football perspective, the site has not been used by a team since 2016, barring one game that Croydon FC played there in October 2020.

As part of the wider vision, further funding is still being sought for a proposed 25,000-seat athletics stadium that could eventually bring elite international events back to Crystal Palace.

While the plans attracted hundreds of objections over concerns including the loss of existing sports facilities, they also received widespread backing from supporters who believe the redevelopment will inspire future generations and improve access to sport across south London.

FGG says: A landmark venue gets another chance

For years, the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has been one of London's great forgotten sporting venues.

Planning approval is a significant milestone and offers genuine hope that one of British sport's most iconic sites can once again become a thriving destination.

If the remaining funding can be secured, this could become one of the country's most important sporting regeneration projects, restoring a venue with an extraordinary history while creating facilities fit for future generations.