Plans to expand the iconic Wimbledon Park, next to the All England Club, have been given the go-ahead by London authorities. The project includes adding 39 new tennis courts, along with a brand-new 8,000-seat show court complete with a retractable roof. This expansion will also allow the Wimbledon qualifying tournament to take place on-site, moving it away from the current location at Roehampton Community Sports Centre.
While the plans have been approved by the Greater London Authority, they weren’t without pushback from local residents. Concerns over environmental impact led to protests outside City Hall, with some residents speaking against the project during a three-hour session before the final decision was made.
Authorities Weigh the Pros and Cons
Despite the opposition, London’s deputy mayor for planning, Jules Pipe, defended the decision, saying, “The proposed development would facilitate very significant benefits. I agree with my officers that these benefits clearly outweigh the harm.”
The new expansion aims to bolster Wimbledon’s standing as one of the top tennis tournaments in the world, enhancing the fan experience and bringing all tournament events closer together—though not all locals are thrilled about what that means for their neighborhood.
