The Government has listed the National Recreation Centre at Crystal Palace following recommendations by English Heritage and Sports Minister Tony Banks.
Last year Bromley council selected London & Regional as preferred developer for the landmark building in south London. The developer plans a range of commercial leisure uses on the site including cinemas, restaurants, a nightclub, family entertainment and bowling centres.
Banks, commenting on the listing of the Recreation Centre, said: “It is exceptional for its date in Europe as well as Britain, encompassing a novel concept of providing a range of sports facilities in one building which was to become widely influential.”
He added: “Although I cannot take such matters into account in the listing decision, I appreciate that the Centre may not be entirely suitable for modern needs and its facilities require upgrading.”
English Heritage Director for the London Region Philip Davies said: “[We] recognise that the building will need to be adapted if it is to meet today’s sporting needs. Our experience of other post-war buildings – like the Royal Festival Hall, for example, demonstrates that they can often sustain bold and imaginative changes without compromising their special architectural quality.”
The Government also listed Coventry Central Baths; the University Sports Pavillion in Wyncote, Liverpool; and Corpus Christi & Sidney Sussex Boathouse in Cambridge. Banks decided not to list Swiss Cottage Swimming Pool in Camden.
EGi News 03/12/97
