22.07.2025
Reading time: 3 min

Wimbledon Expansion Plans Advance after Court Victory

Wimbledon Expansion Plans Advance after Court Victory

The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) has cleared a significant legal hurdle in its ambitious Wimbledon expansion, following a UK High Court ruling on Monday that dismissed a legal challenge brought by a local campaign group.

The court’s decision allows the AELTC to move forward with its proposed £200 million redevelopment, which would significantly increase the size of the historic Grand Slam venue. The plan includes 39 new grass courts, a new 8,000-seat show court, and the ability to host qualifying rounds on-site for the first time in tournament history.

Massive growth plan for historic venue

If fully approved, the expansion would triple the size of Wimbledon’s existing grounds, boost daily visitor capacity to 50,000, and integrate land formerly used as a golf course, which the club acquired in 2018.

The project has received support from several high-profile tennis figures, including Novak Djokovic, as well as segments of the local community. However, it has also drawn pushback from Save Wimbledon Park, a residents’ and environmental group opposed to redeveloping protected green space.

Court rejects legal challenge

The campaign group filed legal action over the planning permissions granted by Merton and Wandsworth Councils, and later approved by the Greater London Authority. They argued the redevelopment breached restrictions tied to the 1993 sale of the golf course land.

But Judge Pushpinder Saini ruled on Monday that the planning process was legally sound, rejecting the group’s challenge.

“We are pleased with the court’s decision, which supports our commitment to strengthening Wimbledon’s future,” said Debbie Jevans, Chair of the AELTC.

“We will now focus on the remaining legal matters concerning the golf course land.”

Legal hurdles still remain

While this ruling marks a major step forward, the expansion is not fully cleared. Another legal issue remains regarding the official designation and use restrictions of the former golf course land. That matter is expected to go to court in early 2026.

Meanwhile, Save Wimbledon Park has signaled its intent to appeal the latest decision. Group director Christopher Coombe warned that the ruling could set “a worrying precedent” for the development of green belt and publicly accessible spaces across the UK.

“This is about protecting public land from irreversible development,” Coombe said.

The proposed expansion is part of AELTC’s broader vision to keep Wimbledon competitive with other major Grand Slams in terms of infrastructure and capacity, while also offering new public park space when the tournament is not in session.

As legal proceedings continue, the tennis world and local community remain closely divided—balancing Wimbledon’s legacy with environmental and community concerns.

-->