Historic England backs transformation of Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
Historic England says it has “welcomed” the plans submitted on behalf of the Greater London Authority to redevelop the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in the heart of Crystal Palace Park.
The government’s adviser on the historic environment praised the “carefully considered approach taken to retain and enhance what makes the Grade II listed building special,” Historic England said.
“The Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is a much-loved building with an innovative and memorable post-war design,” Tom Foxall, Regional Director at Historic England. “These proposals will transform the centre into a sporting facility fit for the future, dramatically improving its energy efficiency while maintaining the key characteristics which contribute to its architectural significance – including the visual dominance of the concrete A-frame and sense of open space inside.”
“We’re pleased to have contributed to positive pre-application discussions, helping shape a sustainable long-term future for this architecturally striking public sports centre and the community it serves.”
It also backs the additional of a new glazed partition, separating the ‘wet’ pool area from the other ‘dry’ sporting zones. This, it said, will improve the environmental conditions inside without compromising the feel of a large, naturally lit, open plan interior that is “key to the building’s significance as well as its appeal to users.”
The proposals hope to improve circulation in the building, removing non-original additions. Historic England says that doing so would “improve the entrance area and café space, and allow the original design to be better appreciated.”
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