Former Olympian and British 200m record holder John Regis says plans to demolish Crystal Palace athletics stadium would “destroy a legacy” and the future of the sport in south London.
Stars including Usain Bolt have graced the track and over the years it has served as a training base for British Olympians.
But now the 15,500-seater stadium and its indoor track have been earmarked for demolition in £10 million redevelopment plans.
Regis, a European and world gold medallist, said: “It helped propel my career from training there as a youngster to performing there in front of the big crowds. I was shocked and saddened when I heard. It’s destroying a legacy and if at all possible the stadium needs to stay.”
The stadium, which is deemed to be “underused and in poor condition” by the Mayor’s office, is expected to be torn down in 2016 and “returned to parkland”. The Mayor’s office has asked locals for their views on the plans.
