Wimbledon’s plans for expansion face a significant hurdle as Wandsworth Council vote against the proposed development by the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC).
The AELTC’s vision included 39 tennis courts and an 8,000-seater show court on the former site of Wimbledon Park Golf Club.
The plan received mixed reviews from local authorities, leading to a deadlock.
Wandsworth Council’s decision to reject planning permission halts the AELTC’s aspirations for a major sporting transformation.
Following the practices of other Grand Slam tournaments, the changes would accommodate Wimbledon’s qualifying matches on-site and establish a new public park.
The future of Wimbledon’s expansion plans now rests with the Mayor of London’s office.
Mayor Sadiq Khan has two weeks to deliver a verdict or take direct control of the application. Alternatively, Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities can intervene in the decision-making process.
Merton Council oversee the majority of the land involved and previously endorsed the AELTC’s scheme. The council claimed that the “very special circumstances” outweighed potential harm to Metropolitan Open Land.
Wandsworth Council’s rejection of the proposal underscores the divided opinions surrounding the project.
Sally Bolton, Chief Executive of the All England Club, expressed disappointment in Wandsworth Council’s decision. She emphasised the social, economic and environmental improvements offered by the AELTC Wimbledon Park Project, including job opportunities and economic benefits for the local community.
Save Wimbledon Park is a local organization opposed to the expansion plan. Their concerns range from the environmental impact to the loss of trees and open spaces. Members of the organization protested outside Wandsworth Council’s chambers during the decision-making process.
Pleased to be supporting the residents of both Wandsworth & Wimbledon campaigning to #SaveWimbledonPark. @WandsLD @MertonLibDems & I will continue to voice strong opposition to the AELTC plans that could lose precious green space and impact the local wildlife and biodiversity. pic.twitter.com/sx4X7UAHoe
— Hina Bokhari AM 🔶 (@HinaBokhariLD) November 21, 2023
To address concerns and gain support, the AELTC pledged to create a 23-acre public park and offered public access to at least seven grass courts during the summer weeks following Wimbledon.
Wandsworth Council’s decision may face legal challenges posed by a 30-year-old legal covenant related to land use for leisure or recreational purposes.
The AELTC emphasises the support received from the London Borough of Merton as well as the substantial benefits to the changes, outlined in a detailed 450-page report.
As the application moves to the Mayor of London’s office for consideration, the AELTC remains hopeful. The office will assess the proposal’s merits and decide whether to approach the Mayor or Deputy Mayor for the final decision.
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