High Court Backs Wimbledon Park Golf Course Expansion

Wimbledon's planned expansion, which includes 38–39 new courts and an 8,000-seat stadium on the former Wimbledon Park Golf Club grounds, has been allowed to proceed after the High Court dismissed a challenge from the Save Wimbledon Park group. The All England Club states the project will enhance the tournament and provide new public parkland, converting private golf course grounds into accessible green space. Local residents and campaigners continue to voice concerns about potential environmental impacts and a construction phase expected to last up to a decade. The plan received mixed responses from local authorities: Merton Council approved it, while Wandsworth Council rejected it before the Greater London Authority granted final approval. Despite this legal victory, a separate court hearing next year will address whether the land is protected by a statutory trust or can be developed for recreation. The project aims to maintain Wimbledon's global prestige and improve public access to recreational facilities.