Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, the iconic venue that has hosted many memorable athletics events in the past, could be revived as a major hub for the sport in 2028. The stadium, which has a capacity of 15,500, has been under threat of closure due to funding issues and lack of maintenance. However, a new partnership between UK Athletics, the London Marathon, and the Greater London Authority (GLA) has given hope to the future of the facility.
A New Lease of Life for Crystal Palace
The new deal, which was announced on Tuesday, will see the three parties invest £3 million each over the next five years to refurbish and upgrade the stadium and the surrounding facilities. The aim is to make Crystal Palace a world-class venue for athletics, as well as a community hub for grassroots sports and physical activity. The project will also create new jobs and opportunities for the local area.
The renovation work will include:
- Resurfacing the track and improving the drainage system
- Installing new floodlights and electronic timing equipment
- Replacing the seats and improving the accessibility and safety of the stands
- Refurbishing the changing rooms, toilets, and showers
- Creating a new indoor warm-up area and gym
- Enhancing the landscaping and signage of the site
The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, in time for the stadium to host some major athletics events in 2028, such as the Diamond League, the European Championships, and the Commonwealth Games.
A Historic Venue for Athletics
Crystal Palace has a rich history of hosting athletics events since it opened in 1964. It was the home of the British Grand Prix from 1977 to 2012, attracting some of the biggest names in the sport, such as Sebastian Coe, Steve Ovett, Daley Thompson, Carl Lewis, Usain Bolt, and Mo Farah. It also hosted the 1998 European Cup, the 2005 Paralympic World Cup, and the 2009 World Athletics Final.
The stadium has also been a training ground for many local clubs and schools, as well as a venue for other sports, such as football, rugby, and cricket. However, in recent years, the stadium has fallen into disrepair and faced the risk of being demolished or converted into a housing development. The new partnership aims to restore the stadium’s glory and ensure its long-term sustainability.
A Boost for the Sport and the Community
The new deal has been welcomed by the stakeholders and the supporters of the stadium, who have campaigned for its preservation and revival. Jo Coates, the chief executive of UK Athletics, said that the project was a “game-changer” for the sport and the community. She said that Crystal Palace was a “jewel in the crown” of British athletics and that the investment would make it a “world-leading” venue.
Hugh Brasher, the event director of the London Marathon, said that the project was a “fantastic opportunity” to create a legacy for the sport and the community. He said that the London Marathon was committed to supporting grassroots athletics and physical activity, and that Crystal Palace was a “perfect location” to do so.
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said that the project was a “great example” of how sport can bring people together and improve their lives. He said that Crystal Palace was a “much-loved” venue and that the investment would make it a “thriving” hub for the sport and the community.
