London Mayor Sadiq Khan pledges millions to revamp Crystal Palace National Sports Center
The money – believed to be in the millions – is being spent to revitalize a track that was once the home of elite athletics in London but has slowly fallen into ruin.
The overhaul is expected to take up to five years to complete but could prove the sport’s new home in the capital amid doubts over its long-term future at the London stadium.
The Crystal Palace National Sports Center opened in 1964 and hosted the London Grand Prix, featuring elite athletes from Seb Coe to Usain Bolt in its heyday.
Money had already been set aside to repair the centre’s swimming facilities, but there were doubts about the indoor and outdoor athletics tracks. A planning application is expected to be submitted next year and construction work will begin in 2025.
Khan said: “Crystal Palace National Sports Center is a historic and much-loved sports and community facility where many British sports stars began their careers and trained, but is in need of major investment and refurbishment.
“I am fully committed to this one-of-a-kind site redevelopment that will secure its future for decades to come.
“As 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 which we hopefully will make a huge difference to center users.
“Over the coming months, we will continue to work closely with key stakeholders – including sporting bodies and wider community groups – to deliver an exceptional venue that our capital and our country can be proud of.”
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