Wimbledon Expansion Plan Approved by London Officials

The Greater London Authority has approved a controversial £200 million expansion of the Wimbledon tennis facility, allowing for the construction of 39 new courts, including an 8,000-seat show court. This decision, made by Deputy Mayor Jules Pipe, overturned a previous rejection by Wandsworth Council, which cited concerns over the loss of protected Metropolitan Open Land. Proponents argue that the development will provide significant economic benefits and enhance community access to parkland, while opponents, including local environmental groups, warn of the detrimental impacts on the landscape and environment. The All England Club aims to relocate its qualifying competition to the new site, which they claim will create substantial economic opportunities. The approval comes after a heated debate that included various stakeholders expressing both support and objection. Local MP Fleur Anderson cautioned that this decision could set a dangerous precedent for the preservation of green spaces across the UK.