Controversial proposals to triple the size of Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, have once again found themselves in the legal arena. The Greater London Authority (GLA) granted the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) planning permission to build 39 new grass tennis courts, including a stadium court, in September 2024. However, in December 2024, the campaign group Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) instructed lawyers to challenge this decision, potentially leading to a judicial review in the U.K. High Court and the reversal of the planning permission. Simultaneously, the AELTC announced its intention to take its own plans to the court system to preempt any challenge.

Wimbledon's Expansion Battle - A Legal Showdown

What Does the Wimbledon Expansion Look Like?

The AELTC plans to construct 39 new grass courts on the old Wimbledon Park golf course, almost tripling the size of the Wimbledon Championships grounds. One of these courts will be an 8,000-seat show court, making it Wimbledon's third major court. This expansion aims to bring Wimbledon in line with the other Grand Slams and enhance the tournament experience. 1: The vision of the AELTC's expansion is clear - to create a more expansive and vibrant tennis venue. The addition of these new courts will provide more space for players to train and compete, as well as for fans to enjoy the sport. It is a significant step towards modernizing Wimbledon and ensuring its continued relevance in the world of tennis. 2: The 8,000-seat show court will be a centerpiece of the expansion, attracting more fans and adding to the excitement of the tournament. It will be a place where tennis legends can perform and where new stars can emerge. The new courts will also help to reduce the wear and tear on the existing facilities during the tournament, ensuring its longevity.

When Would This Project Actually Be Completed?

AELTC chief executive Sally Bolton and chair Debbie Jevans stated that the courts will not be ready until the early 2030s following the granting of planning permission in September 2024. They were cautious about when the development work could actually start, pointing to the possibility of appeals being lodged. With the AELTC and SWP having initiated separate legal proceedings in December 2024, the timeline could be extended further. 1: The delay in the completion of the project is due to the complex legal and regulatory processes involved. The AELTC needs to navigate through various approvals and ensure that the expansion meets all the necessary standards. This requires careful planning and coordination, which takes time. 2: The uncertainty surrounding the start of the development work also adds to the delay. Appeals and legal challenges can slow down the process significantly, as both parties seek to protect their interests. However, the AELTC remains committed to completing the expansion and bringing it to fruition.

How Did We Get to This Point?

SWP believes that the planning permission contradicts a "statutory trust" that requires certain areas of land to be kept free for public recreation. The AELTC, on the other hand, argues that this does not apply to the land in question. This disagreement lies at the heart of their two latest legal processes, both submitted in December 2024. 1: The history of this dispute dates back to 1993 when the AELTC bought the Wimbledon Park golf course land from Merton council for £5.2 million. At that time, they signed a covenant agreeing not to use the land for purposes other than leisure or recreational. However, residents groups, including the Wimbledon Society, believe that the AELTC's proposals violate this covenant. 2: The purchase of the Wimbledon Park golf club in 2018 further complicated the situation. The AELTC's push for expansion since then has led to intense debates and legal battles. The Merton Council's approval in October 2023 and the Wandsworth Council's rejection a month later added to the complexity of the matter.

Why is Wimbledon So Keen to Push This Through?

The AELTC is firmly convinced that this expansion is the only way to keep up with the other three Grand Slams, which all host qualifying onsite. Wimbledon, which has always been the pinnacle of tennis, is lagging behind in this regard. The AELTIC wants fans through the gates during qualifying week, currently held at Roehampton a few miles away. 1: By moving qualifying to the Wimbledon site, the AELTC hopes to attract up to 10,000 fans per day, compared to the 2,000 capacity at the Bank of England Club in Roehampton. This increase in fan attendance will not only boost the tournament's revenue but also enhance its global appeal. 2: Having more courts for both practice and matches will also reduce the strain on the existing facilities during the tournament. Wimbledon currently operates with the minimum number of match courts for a Grand Slam, and its third-biggest court (Court 2) is the smallest among the four majors. The expansion will address these issues and provide a more seamless experience for players and fans alike.

Why Are Campaigners Against the Wimbledon Plans Frustrated?

There is a sense of disappointment among campaigners who believe that promises have been broken. Going back to 1993 and the covenant signed by the AELTC, there is a feeling that the club is not fulfilling its obligations. 1: Protesters also have ecological and social concerns. They highlight the net tree loss and the major impacts on biodiversity that the development would cause. Experts called to the planning hearing by the AELTC rejected these claims, pointing to plans to plant five times as many trees as would be removed. However, protesters remain skeptical and argue that the true impact on the environment has not been adequately addressed. 2: A recurring theme from the objectors is a perceived lack of compromise. They feel that local residents have not been properly consulted and that their voices have been ignored. There is a deep sense of frustration among those who oppose the expansion, as they believe that their concerns have been dismissed.

Is Everyone Who Lives Locally Opposed to This?

During the hearing, Shan Warnock-Smith KC, a local resident in support of the development, praised the AELTC for its "ample consultation" with the community. David Mooney, London Wildlife Trust chief executive officer, spoke of the plans having "ecological enhancement" and said that "the golf club is ecologically pretty dead." 1: However, it is important to note that not all local residents are opposed to the expansion. Some see the potential benefits, such as the creation of a new public park and the improvement of the local environment. They believe that the AELTC's plans can bring positive changes to the area. 2: There is a need to balance the interests of different stakeholders and find a middle ground that satisfies everyone. This requires open dialogue and a willingness to listen to the concerns of all parties involved.

Why Did GLA Rule in Favour of the AELTC?

In granting the planning permission, Pipe stated that the proposed development would bring significant benefits, including those to public open space and recreation, community, cultural heritage, ecology and biodiversity, economic, employment and transport. 1: These benefits, according to Pipe, clearly outweigh the harm caused by the proposal and represent very special circumstances. Wimbledon is the most prestigious tournament in world tennis, attracting a global audience and contributing to London's brand. The expansion is seen as a necessary step to maintain its status. 2: The GLA's decision was based on a comprehensive assessment of the various factors involved. They considered the long-term benefits of the expansion and the impact it would have on the local community and the city as a whole.

What Happens Next?

The first part of SWP's challenge to the planning permission is sending a letter to the GLA. The 'Pre-Action Protocol for Judicial Review' requires this letter, which SWP sent to the GLA on December 6, 2024. Many steps still need to be taken for a formal judicial review. 1: The AELTC's desire to put the question of statutory trust to the court system has no set timeline yet. Both parties will continue to engage in legal battles as they seek to protect their interests. 2: The outcome of these legal proceedings remains uncertain, and the future of Wimbledon's expansion hangs in the balance. It will be a closely watched case that could have a significant impact on the future of the tournament and the local community.