Particle.news
Download on the App Store
19 ARTICLES
·
3w ago

High Court Hears Challenge to Wimbledon’s £200m Expansion Plan

Challengers claim planning permission violated statutory trust obligations safeguarding Wimbledon Park, with a ruling due in the coming weeks.

Image
A protestor, dressed as a strawberry, from the campaign group Save Wimbledon Park, holds a sign which says "Berry Angry" outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Britain, July 8, 2025. REUTERS/Sam Tobin
Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - July 4, 2025 General view during the third round match between Australia's Jordan Thompson and Italy's Luciano Darderi REUTERS/Toby Melville TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Image

Overview

  • The High Court opened a two-day hearing on July 8 as Save Wimbledon Park contests the Greater London Authority’s approval granted last September.
  • The All England Club’s scheme would add 39 new grass courts and an 8,000-seat retractable-roof stadium on former golf course land to bring qualifying on-site and boost capacity.
  • Save Wimbledon Park argues the GLA overlooked restrictive covenants and the land’s status as a statutory Public Recreation Trust, rendering the approval unlawful.
  • AELTC officials and supporters, including Novak Djokovic, maintain the expansion is essential for Wimbledon to match other Grand Slams and promise 27 acres of new public parkland and biodiversity improvements.
  • A written judgment is expected in the coming weeks, with a separate AELTC appeal over land-use restrictions scheduled for January 2026.