Community sauna planned for Crystal Palace Park
The Crystal Palace Park Trust and Community Sauna Baths CIC have submitted a planning application for the temporary facility.
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A proposal to establish a community sauna within Crystal Palace Park has been formally submitted to Bromley Council. The application, reference 26/03341/FPA, outlines plans for a temporary facility on the site of a former caravan area. The project is a joint venture between the Crystal Palace Park Trust (CPPT) and Community Sauna Baths CIC (CSB).
The organisations behind the proposal state that the sauna will offer health and social advantages to residents. Planning documents submitted to the council highlight the benefits of saunas for mental and physical well-being, noting that accessible pricing makes it a community health resource. They also suggest that community saunas can help reduce isolation and loneliness, providing an option for individuals who may not have the financial means to access private facilities. Regular use of saunas and cold plunges is also cited for easing symptoms of chronic health conditions.
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Facility details and operation
The application seeks permission for the sauna to operate for a period of five years, with all components designed for temporary use and easy removal. The proposed structure would include four distinct saunas, one of which is designed for disabled access, alongside plunge pools, showers, changing cubicles, a space for therapies, and a refreshment counter. The community sauna is planned to be open to the public seven days a week, from 7am to 10pm, with a weekly half-day closure for maintenance. While the facility can hold up to 50 people simultaneously, CSB anticipates approximately 200 visitors each day. Standard session prices are £12, with concessions at £6, and free sessions are available for local health and community groups.
The proposed site is located in the northernmost section of Crystal Palace Park, near the transmitting station, on land formerly occupied by the Caravan and Motorhome Club. This area is adjacent to the Rockhills Residential development site, where approximately 200 new homes are planned.
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Trust's relocation needs
The CPPT has managed Crystal Palace Park since 2023, taking over from Bromley Council. The trust's stated mission involves protecting, managing, and improving the park for the benefit of the community and its users. The trust has experienced significant growth, now employing 26 staff members. A key factor driving the need for new premises is that CPPT is required to vacate its current offices within the National Sports Centre to allow for a £130 million upgrade of that facility. The temporary cabin office proposed as part of the sauna development would have a floor area of 188 square metres.
CSB currently manages five other sauna sites across London, including locations in Hackney, Camberwell, Walthamstow, Stratford, and Peckham. An additional site in Stoke Newington received approval earlier this month.
Questions this report answers
+What is being proposed for Crystal Palace Park?
A proposal has been submitted to Bromley Council for a community sauna facility to be built on a former caravan site within Crystal Palace Park. The application also includes plans for a temporary office space for the Crystal Palace Park Trust.
+Who is behind the community sauna plans?
The planning application has been submitted jointly by the Crystal Palace Park Trust (CPPT) and Community Sauna Baths CIC (CSB). CSB currently operates several sauna sites across London.
+Why is the Crystal Palace Park Trust involved?
The Crystal Palace Park Trust is required to vacate its current premises in the National Sports Centre due to a £130 million upgrade of that facility. The proposed office space within the sauna development would serve as their new operational base.
+How many people will the sauna accommodate?
The proposed community sauna would have a capacity for up to 50 people at any one time. The operators, CSB, anticipate that the facility will receive approximately 200 visitors per day.
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