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Crystal Palace Reprieved
24th February 2004
Crystal Palace’s 50-metre swimming pool has been saved from closure today by a last-minute deal which will enable the National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace to stay open pending a major overhaul.
The plans, which mean that the Capital’s only 10 metre diving facility will continue to stay open past its intended closure date of March 2004, were announced by the Minister for Sport, the Mayor of London, the London Development Agency, the London Borough of Bromley, and Sport England at a press conference earlier today.
Under the terms of the agreement, which was facilitated by the Mayor and Richard Caborn, Sport England will take a further two year lease of the Crystal Palace Sports Centre, so that the centre can remain open whilst the London Development Agency draw up detailed plans for a redeveloped or replacement sports centre. The LDA will take over the lease of the National Sports centre in two years’ time and has also taken an option to take over the running of the Park within five years.
The LDA will immediately start working with local groups and stakeholders to produce plans for an enhanced sports centre and Park.
Richard Caborn, Minister for Sport said: “Crystal Palace is an important part of our sporting heritage. I am glad that this government - in partnership with the GLA, the LDA, Bromley Council and Sport England - has managed to find a solution for its future. This means that Crystal Palace will continue to provide its facilities not just for the excellent Grand Prix event, but on a daily basis to both the London community and our top level athletes.'
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London said “This is great news for sport in London, and great news for the area. We now have an opportunity to turn the run-down and under-used stadium, sports centre and park into a new heart for South London. The deal also means that the Grand Prix athletics event will now go ahead at Crystal Palace this summer, which is good news for London’s Olympic bid. I am pleased to announce today that we will once again support the UK’s premier athletics event, which with its famously electric atmosphere makes an excellent advert for London.”
David Sparkes, Amateur Swimming Association and British Swimming Chief Executive, said "We’re delighted that the Mayor has stepped in and ensured that Crystal Palace will remain open in the short term. We will now be working with the Mayor’s Office on plans for a new pool, which we hope will be a 50-metre community pool, to complement our strategy for swimming in London."
Patrick Carter Chair of Sport England said “Sport England has worked hard with its partners, the Mayor of London and the London Borough of Bromley, to secure the best future for Crystal Palace. This announcement is great news for both the local community and elite athletes who can continue to use the sporting facilities at Crystal Palace while a replacement sports centre is being planned. Our funding of the track refurbishment for the Grand Prix also reflects Sport England’s complete backing and support for the London 2012 Olympic bid.”