Can you believe it? Planning chiefs have given the green light for a massive expansion of the Wimbledon tennis complex. The controversial plans include nearly 40 new courts, a third show court with a retractable roof, and designated player hubs. This means that Wimbledon can now host the qualifying tournaments right in SW19, instead of in Roehampton. The new complex will be located on the former site of Wimbledon Park Golf Club, just across the road from the All England Club. Despite thousands of objections, the council voted in favour of the scheme. But not everyone is happy about it. Labour MP Fleur Anderson expressed her disappointment on Twitter, saying that the development is encroaching on protected green spaces. The expansion plans have been approved by Merton Council, with the condition that it provides substantial public benefits. The All England Club purchased the lease of Wimbledon Park Golf Club in 2018 for a whopping £65 million. The completion of the project is expected in 2030, and it will increase the capacity of the championships from 42,000 to 50,000. However, the ambitious scheme has faced opposition from local residents. Around 2,000 trees are set to be removed from the Metropolitan Open Land, which is meant to be protected. A petition to ‘Save Wimbledon Park’ has garnered over 13,000 signatures, and there have been protests outside the council meeting. The next stage of the planning process involves the approval of the London Mayor and the Wandsworth planning committee. There is also the possibility of a judicial review. Despite the disappointment of some residents, the independent planning committee voted in favour of the expansion. The land is still subject to covenants that restrict its use and development until properly addressed by the All England Club. The Wimbledon Park Residents’ Association expressed their lack of surprise at the outcome of the vote and emphasized that this is just the beginning of a long process.
Outrage as Planners Approve Massive Wimbledon Tennis Expansion
