Crystal Palace could have a new state-of-the-art National Sports Centre and Olympic-sized swimming pool in five years, in time for the 2012 London games.

The London Development Agency (LDA) revealed the plans at a press conference last Thursday saying if planning consent is granted the new sports centre could be open by 2010 although doubts have already been expressed about that target.

The LDA will take over the running of the National Sports Centre from Bromley Council next March. It will have the option of taking on the management of Crystal Palace Park in 2009.

A new sports centre was one idea to come out of a public consultation held last year. The future of the park will be discussed at a second public consultation starting on October 20.

An LDA spokesman said: "We would hope to have the new building open by 2010 or around that time. As soon as that opens we will look at shutting the current centre."

The agency has committed millions of pounds to improving the park and maintaining sports facilities but some development, possibly housing, may be needed to pay for future improvements.

The LDA admitted "there were quite a few hurdles to get through" before a decision on demolition of the existing sports centre is made because it is a Grade II listed building.

But a planning application for the new sports centre could be submitted as early as next autumn and the agency said it will announce details of an international design competition in the next couple of weeks, the winner providing the final design for the new centre.

John Payne, chairman of the Crystal Palace Community Association, said: "The time frame to have the new stadium ready is going to be very tight as the LDA need to make a case to demolish and de-list the current centre and there will definitely be some opposition to the demolition.

"Bearing in mind that any new design for a facility will also have to go out to international competition I think it is going to be extremely tight."

More details on the LDA's plans for the park are expected to be revealed at next month's consultation.

LDA executive director for regeneration and development, Tony Winterbottom, said: "After 18 months of analysis of Crystal Palace Park's needs and extensive consultation with local people, we are ready to put forward our proposals for the park's future.

"These could have a dramatic impact on the park and help to boost the surrounding area, so we want as many people as possible to have their say on the proposals."