11:20am Thursday 15th February 2007
The London Development Agency (LDA) is to refurbish the existing Olympic-sized pool in Crystal Palace park and build a new regional sports facility after 2012.
The pool, which is housed in the National Sports Centre, was opened in 1964 but its equipment has not been upgraded since.
A recommendation to carry out a £3million refurbishment will go to the LDA's board on February 22, which, if approved, will ensure the pool remains open in the run-up to the Olympics.
LDA development director, Ted Kyzer, said: "The existing pumping plant at the National Sports Centre is old and in urgent need of repair.
"The LDA remains committed to maintaining swimming in Crystal Palace Park. That's why we are looking at the most cost effective way of guaranteeing first class swimming up to the Olympics and beyond."
The pool is one of only two 50-metre pools in London and the centre recently submitted a bid to become one of the pre-Olympic training camps.
The LDA took ownership of the centre as part of London's 2012 bid and the building was listed in the late 1990s.
It is proposed the building will be refurbished as part of plans to regenerate Crystal Palace Park.
Norman Edgell, London Swimming Board and Crystal Palace Park Sports Working Group member, said: "It is vital to keep swimming in Crystal Palace in the run up to the Olympics - sporting groups using the National Sports Centre have been heavily involved in this decision and fully support this move."
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