FaulknerBrowns are working in collaboration with Morgan Sindall and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to breathe new life into the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. Plans have now been submitted towards the restoration, with FaulknerBrowns leading on the leisure refurbishment of the iconic national facility’s main building, resolving historic challenges while respecting the significant Grade II* listed heritage.

Project scope and design

The submitted proposals introduce vast improvements and benefits to the facility, improving accessibility, environmental sustainability, and user experience.
Key proposal highlights include:

→ Improved accessibility and inclusivity
Making the multi-levelled and complex interior more accessible and inclusive. Wayfinding enhancements ensure that spaces are intuitive and accessible for all.

→ Addressing the building fabric
Making extensive upgrades to the heritage facades to improve the thermal performance and reduce operational energy use without compromising the heritage features. A heritage-led approach that celebrates this unique modernist piece of architecture.

→ Addressing the current open plan layout
Introducing a new, glazed dividing screen between the pool hall and the remainder of the building will for the first time create environmental separation between the two spaces and improve user comfort.

→ Decarbonising the building
Removing fossil fuel systems and introducing new heat pumps and photovoltaic cells to maximise carbon savings.

→ Reversal of the ventilation strategy
Introducing a new displacement ventilation system together with the proposed environmental screen between the Pool Hall and Main Sports Hall, will result in improved thermal comfort for building users in both halls. This proposal provides a more efficient solution that requires less energy to operate.

Project quotes

“The importance of this national facility and the rich cultural history which
underpins its heritage make this project an amazing and exciting opportunity for
us. We are very excited to be able to help write the next chapter of Crystal Palace,
making it more inclusive, efficient and accessible.”

Steve McIntyre, Partner, FaulknerBrowns

“We are delighted to have reached this key planning milestone for the Crystal
Palace National Sports Centre. We are thrilled to be working as part of the Morgan
Sindall team to breathe new life into this amazing piece of architecture.”

Peter Hunt, Senior Associate Architect, FaulknerBrowns

“The ideas that have been laid out in the planning application for Crystal Palace
National Sports Centre’s transformative regeneration represent something quite
ambitious and different. Everyone working on this scheme has pushed hard to
make the design a showcase in what a modern, sustainable, inclusive and
community-centred leisure centre should look like – all while paying homage to
the venue’s inspiring legacy.”

Richard Dobson, Area Director – London, Morgan Sindall