A new chapter in the dispute over Wimbledon’s expansion has begun, as a local group has launched legal action to halt the All England Lawn and Tennis Club’s (AELTC) development plans. This move comes shortly after London authorities approved the project in September, sparking a fresh wave of protests. The Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) campaign argues that converting part of the former Wimbledon Golf Club into a Grand Slam venue is inappropriate, insisting the site should remain accessible for community and recreational use.

The development plan, which includes 39 new courts and an 8,000-seat facility, also proposes restoring a historic lake designed by Capability Brown. However, local opposition has grown since the expansion plans gained traction in 2018. The community fears restricted access to public green spaces and the transformation of the area into a private event venue. SWP members also highlight a 1993 agreement, under which the AELTC purchased the land, stipulating it should be used solely for recreational purposes and not for commercial development.

NECESSARY EXPANSION OR INAPPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT?

The protest group is seeking a judicial review of the planning permission granted by London’s City Hall. According to SWP’s Jeremy Hudson, this action is “momentous,” emphasizing that the protected environment should remain accessible to the public. The group argues the development violates the principles of the 1993 pact and underscores the importance of preserving this historic site as a public resource.

On the other hand, supporters of the expansion, including Deputy Mayor Jules Pipe, contend that the project’s economic and social benefits would be substantial for both the local community and the UK economy. With the creation of new jobs and enhanced tournament facilities, the expansion aims to solidify Wimbledon’s status as one of the world’s premier tennis events.