Wimbledon tennis faces legal challenge over proposed UK expansion plans

Wimbledon Expansion Plans Face Legal Challenge

The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club is seeking a High Court ruling that its proposed expansion of the Wimbledon site does not fall under a statutory trust. The club plans to treble the size of its main site, adding 39 new courts, as part of a £200 million project.

The AELTC’s redevelopment plan involves using a former golf course, which it owns, and has received support from several leading players and some residents. However, campaign group Save Wimbledon Park is opposing the plans, arguing that the land is subject to a statutory trust requiring it to be kept for public recreation.

Save Wimbledon Park took legal action against planning permission granted by the Greater London Authority in 2024, claiming that the GLA failed to properly consider restrictions on redeveloping the site. The group’s challenge was rejected last summer, but they have since been granted permission to appeal against the ruling.

The hearing outside the High Court saw dozens of Save Wimbledon Park supporters gather, including two women dressed as tennis balls holding a sign with the message “Balls to AELTC”. The outcome of the case will determine whether the expansion plans can proceed.

Source: Al Jazeera