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Wimbledon Expansion Faces High Court Test Over 1875 Land Trust

The court is weighing claims that a statutory trust requiring public recreation use still binds the former golf course.

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

Overview

  • A hearing before Mr Justice Thompsell opened in London and is scheduled to conclude on January 23.
  • The All England Club seeks a ruling that the land is not subject to a trust, arguing it has never been a public park and has been treated as private property, including after its 1993 freehold purchase.
  • Save Wimbledon Park contends the Public Health Act 1875 trust attached to the land and survived later transfers, which it says would prevent redevelopment.
  • The £200 million plan approved by the Greater London Authority in 2024 proposes 38 new courts, an 8,000-seat stadium, maintenance buildings, new access points and parkland with permissive public access, enabling on-site qualifying.
  • Dozens of supporters of the campaign demonstrated outside the Royal Courts of Justice as proceedings began, and the group has permission to appeal a previously rejected planning challenge.