The Greater London Authority has given the go-ahead to the contentious expansion plans of Wimbledon. The decision was made by the deputy mayor for planning, Jules Pipe, and gives permission for the All England Club to construct 39 additional courts, inclusive of a show court with a seating capacity of 8,000, at the previously called Wimbledon Park Golf Club, significantly increasing the current site’s size.
Planning officers at the Greater London Authority had recommended the approval, noting the proposal’s sports, financial, and community advantages for London and the tournament. Pipe agreed that these benefits are strong enough to outweigh any potential negative impacts.
The All England Club’s argument included a wish to host its qualifying competition at its own property, currently taking place in Roehampton. Greater London Authority’s approval has been warmly received by the club, said Chair Debbie Jevans, as it signifies the beginning of their transformation of the old Wimbledon Park golf course. The plan is to provide 27 acres of new parkland available to the public and the ability to host the qualifying competition on site, providing significant economics and job opportunities.
In managing and delivering the project, Jevans emphasised the importance of meticulousness, respect for the neighbours and the environment. She expressed excitement about working collaboratively to bring the plans to fruition, in what she describes as one of the most significant transformations in London’s sporting world since the 2012 Games.
Further good news for the All England Club is the fact that Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, will not intervene in the application, leaving only legal objections as a possible obstacle for those opposing the expansion.
The application had originally been approved by Merton Council but rejected by Wandsworth Council. However, the Mayor of London’s office took responsibility in January. The proposed land is primarily in Merton, but a part of it falls in Wandsworth. Mayor Sadiq Khan, a public supporter of the expansion, stepped back from the process, leaving the decision to Pipe. The All England Club began their pursuit of developing the land back in 2021, with plans submitted to Merton, three years after purchasing it from the golf club members.
Ahead of the hearing, demonstrators congregated outside City Hall, with a handful voicing their concerns during a morning meeting, which lasted upwards of three hours. Interspersed laughter was evident occasionally, and following the explanation of a GLA planning officer as to why they advised the deputy mayor endorse the proposal, one individual vehemently exclaimed “shame on you”.
The Putney MP, Fleur Anderson, expressed that sanctioning this project would establish a perilous precedent not just in London, but nationally. Christopher Coombe of the Save Wimbledon Park group also weighed in, expressing his shock should the project receive approval at this stage, given that the land has always been safeguarded.
Other critics of the plan included Richard Rees, known for his prior role as lead planner for the construction of Court One at Wimbledon and the cultivation of Henman Hill. Those opposing the developments believe that the potential damage to open spaces is unwarranted.
On the contrary, the All England Club advocates for its necessity for expansion, to stay competitive with other major championships that have undergone significant renovations in the past few years. The design includes publicly accessible green spaces and development projects focusing on the community, like improvements to Wimbledon Park lake.