London, United Kingdom. Wimbledon’s plans to expand its grounds cleared another hurdle on Thursday after the High Court rejected campaigners’ attempt to block the project. Save Wimbledon Park said it intended to seek permission to appeal.
Expansion proposal
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club plans to treble the size of its main site in a 200 million-pound project that would add 39 new courts. The site has hosted the Championships since 1877.
Dispute over land status
The AELTC plans to redevelop a former golf course it owns, a proposal supported by several leading players and some local residents. Save Wimbledon Park challenged planning permission, arguing the land is subject to a statutory trust and must be kept for public recreation.
The AELTC asked the High Court to rule that the land is not subject to such a trust, with its lawyers arguing it has never been used for public recreation.
High Court ruling and reactions
Following a hearing in January, Judge Nicholas Thompsell ruled in the AELTC’s favour, stating in a written decision that the land was never dedicated to public recreation and “could be sold without imposing onto the purchaser a public trust where one had never before existed”.
AELTC chair Deborah Jevans said the decision “represents a significant milestone for our plans”. Save Wimbledon Park said it intended to seek permission to appeal.
Related planning case
The plans were also the subject of a separate case last summer, when Save Wimbledon Park challenged planning permission approved by the Greater London Authority in 2024. The group argued the GLA failed to properly take account of restrictions on redeveloping the land.
That challenge was rejected, but Save Wimbledon Park has since been granted permission to appeal against that ruling.
What impact do you think Wimbledon’s proposed expansion could have on local public access and recreation?