Plans Submitted for Community Sauna in Crystal Palace Park

A planning application has been submitted to Bromley Council for a new community sauna facility in Crystal Palace Park, south London, the Standard reported. The joint proposal comes from Crystal Palace Park Trust and Community Sauna Baths — the not-for-profit already operating sites in Camberwell, Hackney Wick, Peckham, Stratford and Walthamstow. A separate Community Sauna Baths site in Stoke Newington was approved earlier this month. The Crystal Palace plans envision a temporary, five-year facility at the old caravan park site in the northernmost corner of the park, near the transmitting station tower. They include four saunas — one with disabled access — plunge pools, showers, changing cubicles, therapy spaces and a refreshment counter. Up to 50 people could use the facility at any one time, with a daily capacity of 200 visitors. Pricing would follow the organisation's usual model of £12 per hour, or £6 for concessions, with free sessions available to local health and community groups. Operating hours would run from 7am to 10pm daily, with a weekly half-day closure for maintenance. The entire structure is designed to be removable. A small cabin office for the Park Trust is also included, as the Trust must relocate ahead of the National Sports Centre's £130 million upgrade. Bromley Council has not yet made a decision.