High Court Hears Legal Challenge to Wimbledon Expansion Plans for 39 Courts, 8,000-Seat Stadium

The All England Club's plan to nearly triple the Wimbledon tennis site by building 38 new courts and an 8,000-seat stadium on the former Wimbledon Park Golf Club is facing legal challenges. Campaign group Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) argues that the land, a Grade II*-listed heritage site partly designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, is legally protected as Metropolitan Open Land with multiple restrictions, including a covenant and tree preservation orders. SWP has taken legal action against the Greater London Authority (GLA) for approving the expansion, contending that the decision was unlawful and should be reconsidered. Lawyers for SWP emphasized that the proposed development covers an area equivalent to 50 football pitches and that the All England Club has a high burden of proof to justify the plans. The GLA and All England Club dispute the existence of such restrictions and maintain that the approval was rational and lawful. The expansion also includes additional infrastructure and work on Wimbledon Lake, and the club asserts the development would enhance community parkland and bring qualifying tournaments on-site.