A petition protesting at the closure of the swimming pools at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has attracted over 5500 signatures in a matter of days.

Sign the CPNSC pool petition here...
Reopen Crystal Palace National Sports Centre 50 metre pool and diving poo

 A local resident finally felt they had to act as concerns are building that the 50 metre and diving pools could remain closed for years.   Athletes would not be able to use the centre - one of the most accessible in terms of the public transport network in the country, ruining preparations for the next Olympic Games in Paris in just 3 years time.   It would represent a huge loss to London clubs in all aquatics (syncro, water polo, swimming, and a world class diving programme which has sent athletes to Tokyo, Rio, London, Beijing and Athens), not to mention the many thousands of Londoners dependent on the venue.

The centre's main hall and pools do need extensive repairs with years of under-investment, but ongoing delays to a decision by the Mayor of London is raising wider concerns on what the NSC priorities are.  CSSP Chair, John Powell MBE asks the Mayor:  “Will you agree to options to re-open the Diving Pool as soon as practically possible, and positively consider all options to get the 50m pool open as a matter of urgency?  Long-term closure of these pools is not just a lost to Crystal Palace, it will harm a generation of Londoners, is already eroding a diving programme that produces world class athletes on a yearly basis.  The centre boasts a rich history of success in all aquatic sports at the Palace, and to see it left in its current delipidated state is heartbreaking."

The chair of Swim England London, Alex Harrison, has also written to the GLA to emphasise why it’s important that the CPNSC centre continues to be able to provide training facilities for the Olympians of the future. Crystal Palace is a vital facility for the local community and London’s performance athletes.  For this, and the latest CPNSC updates click here.