This is my first report, I hope you enjoy it and I’m open to feedback. My welcome post seems to have disappeared, but I did post one yesterday. Just as a brief introduction, I’m an architect from Brighton and I’ve been interested in exploring buildings for many years, especially ones of architectural or historical interest, or anything visually stunning or spooky. I’m also a big fan of post-apocalyptic, sci-fi, and fantasy, so this hobby merges those interests together nicely!
This sports centre is an architecturally fascinating grade II listed building, opened in 1964, and designed by architect Norman Engleback. It is right next to the famous Crystal Palace site.
This building isn’t abandoned as half of it is still in operation, however the 50m pool, diving pool, spectators seating, and some underground rooms have been closed off for repair works since 2020. I managed to sneak around to the closed off areas without getting caught, this would be a great low risk explore for newbies. They have plans to renovate so it’s worth going to see it before they make it all pristine and boring.
Walkway underneath the first floor spectator seating.
Ground floor spectator seating facing the closed off 50m pool and diving pool at the far end.
Image taken in 1964, from website: https://www.ribapix.com/sports-hall-national-recreation-centre-crystal-palace-london-the-pool-hall-seen-from-the-spectators-gallery_riba57188
Teaching pool still in use.
Walkway underneath the first floor spectator seating.
Basement squash court.
Closed off 50m pool.
Closed off diving pool.
Image taken in 1964, from website: https://www.ribapix.com/sports-hall...ystal-palace-london-the-diving-pool_riba57185
Underground hallway with views into diving pool which would allow people to view underwater.
Views down to 50m and diving pools from first floor spectator seating.
First floor walkway.
Outside the rear of the building.
This sports centre is an architecturally fascinating grade II listed building, opened in 1964, and designed by architect Norman Engleback. It is right next to the famous Crystal Palace site.
This building isn’t abandoned as half of it is still in operation, however the 50m pool, diving pool, spectators seating, and some underground rooms have been closed off for repair works since 2020. I managed to sneak around to the closed off areas without getting caught, this would be a great low risk explore for newbies. They have plans to renovate so it’s worth going to see it before they make it all pristine and boring.
Walkway underneath the first floor spectator seating.
Ground floor spectator seating facing the closed off 50m pool and diving pool at the far end.
Image taken in 1964, from website: https://www.ribapix.com/sports-hall-national-recreation-centre-crystal-palace-london-the-pool-hall-seen-from-the-spectators-gallery_riba57188
Teaching pool still in use.
Walkway underneath the first floor spectator seating.
Basement squash court.
Closed off 50m pool.
Closed off diving pool.
Image taken in 1964, from website: https://www.ribapix.com/sports-hall...ystal-palace-london-the-diving-pool_riba57185
Underground hallway with views into diving pool which would allow people to view underwater.
Views down to 50m and diving pools from first floor spectator seating.
First floor walkway.
Outside the rear of the building.
