Wimbledon is planning a significant renovation to increase its capacity by 20 percent for its 150th anniversary celebration.
The project aims to improve accessibility and allow more tennis enthusiasts to visit the All England Club.
The proposal focuses on expanding the well-known Henman Hill in time for Wimbledon`s 150th anniversary in 2027.
Every year, numerous spectators enjoy watching matches on the big screen from Henman Hill, which is accessible to fans holding ground pass tickets.
Tim Henman, the namesake of the hill, commented on the plan: “It`s about improving the entire area. It has become very popular, but accessibility is challenging for everyone.”
He added, “We are always seeking to enhance all areas of the estate. This is going to be a very exciting project.”
This renovation is the latest step in Wimbledon`s broader expansion project.
Last year, organizers received approval to build 39 additional courts on a site opposite the All England Club, including a new 8,000-capacity stadium.
This development will allow the Wimbledon Championships qualifying tournament to be held on-site and provide more practice facilities for players.
However, the proposal faced opposition from local residents concerned about protecting Wimbledon Park, where the new site is planned.
Merton Council supported the plan, but it was rejected by councilors in neighboring Wandsworth.
Consequently, the decision was passed to London’s City Hall. Mayor Sadiq Khan recused himself due to a conflict of interest, leaving the final decision to his deputy, Jules Pipe.
Despite objections from attendees at the meeting, Deputy Mayor Pipe approved the planning chiefs` recommendation.
This decision came shortly after Angela Raynor, the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, confirmed that she would not intervene in the process.
The residents` group reacted to the decision with disapproval.
They claim that the club is violating a legal agreement regarding the site`s use, established when the land was originally purchased from Merton in 1993.
They have also voiced concerns about the impact of the construction work, which could last up to six years.
The residents are now planning to seek a judicial review of the decision and have not ruled out appealing to the Supreme Court.
