The London Development Agency (LDA) has announced that it intends to support the retention of the National Sports Centre (NSC) at Crystal Palace to 2012 and beyond.

The LDA took responsibility for the sports facilities at Crystal Palace – which include a 50m swimming pool and athletics stadium – in March 2006. However, the centre is in a poor state of repair and requires substantial investment to bring the facilities up to scratch.

Particular concern has existed over the swimming pool, which is the only 50m facility in south London. At the least, the existing pool's pumps, machinery and filtration require replacement, but the LDA is also considering the installation of a 'temporary' pool, which could open as soon as August 2007.

Temporary pools have been used for many major world events, and it would represent a substantially cheaper option, although the long-term operational life is not certain. If this option were taken, the existing pool would be converted into a dry sports area.

The other facilities at Crystal Palace, including the outdoor athletics stadium, would remain open for major events, such as the London Grand Prix, until after 2012, when the Olympic Stadium is due to be converted into a 25,000-capacity athletics venue.

A masterplanner is due to be appointed imminently to draw up detailed plans, for finalisation next year.

Photograph: the NSC could be extensively remodelled in the coming years