Wimbledon is one of the most prestigious events in the tennis world. Over 500,000 guests visited the tournament in 2023. The growing attendance may require certain changes to the local infrastructure. This is why the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) is considering expanding the grounds by building 39 new grass courts near the current venue. But why these expansion plans have become the subject of discussion? What is the surrounding controversy? Continue reading to know more about this “big” project.
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Wimbledon’s Tennis Expansion Plans
According to the AELTC’s plan, 39 new grass courts will be constructed on the Wimbledon Park Golf Course. This new complex allows the tournament to expand its operations and enhance the overall experience for both players and guests. The tournament will be able to host the qualifying rounds on site, which will significantly increase the number of guests. The qualification stages will be held at Roehampton, several miles away from the main venue. The court will increase its capacity from 2,000 to 10,000 guests who will be able to follow live games, check tennis odds, and adjust their bets.
The development of additional courts will help reduce wear and tear on existing courts. This is highly needed for Court 2, which is the smallest of the four major Grand Slam courts. With 39 new courts, the AELTC would be in a stronger position to compete with the Australian, French, and U.S. Opens.
Legal Challenges
The AELTC has already received the necessary permission from the Greater London Authority (GLA). Unfortunately, the project has met public resistance. The Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) accused the AELTC of a legal violation regarding the use of the land. The AELTC purchased the Wimbledon Park Golf Course in 1993, agreeing that the land would only be used for recreational purposes. The current project breaks the agreement since the land won’t be accessible to the community. The two sides will meet in the U.K. High Court in July 2025.
Local protesters argue that the development would harm the environment. They express their concerns about the loss of trees and the disruption caused by previous construction works. Some local residents feel that they were not properly informed about the plans. So there is frustration over the mission compromise from the AELTC.
Critics also state that Wimbledon’s heritage and prestige mean a lot to the devoted fans. There is no need to expand in order to maintain its status. The tournament is already a global icon, which eliminates the need for competition with other tennis events. “Wimbledon has always been the top tournament in tennis. Why change that?” said one protester.
Public Sentiment and Local Impact
Despite vocal opposition, not all local residents stand against the expansion. Some have praised the AELTC for public consulting, while others point out that the land in question was previously a private golf course and not public land. The project supporters also note that the new plans include a limited territory, with the remaining site being accessible to the community around the year.
David Mooney, CEO of the London Wildlife Trust, supported the plans. He claims that the golf course was “pretty dead”, so the project would encourage significant ecological improvements. However, concerns persist about the long-term disruption to local residents, with the construction expected to last for several years.
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The GLA’s Decision and Future Proceedings
In September 2024, the GLA granted the AELTC planning permission for the expansion. The approval was given due to the potential benefits for the local ecology, cultural heritage, and the economy. Deputy Mayor Jules Pipe emphasized that Wimbledon’s global prestige and cultural significance justified the development. The expansion would enhance London’s brand as a cultural and sporting destination.
Wimbledon’s project raises many questions. While the AELTC claims that the expansion is necessary to maintain its status, opponents see legal violations and harm to its surroundings. However, the legal battle is far from over. The plans remain uncertain, with both sides preparing for a crucial court hearing this summer. Save Wimbledon Park has confirmed its intention to challenge the GLA’s decision in the High Court in July 2025. The decision could shape the future of this iconic tournament for years to come.
