Queen's Club Seeks to Expand Squash Facilities
West London's prestigious Queen's Club, best known for its annual pre-Wimbledon tennis tournament, has submitted plans to build two new squash courts. The proposal aims to enhance the club's squash offering, which currently consists of three singles courts with poor viewing facilities, according to planning documents.
Details of the Proposed Development
The two new courts would include one designed for doubles competitions and another for exhibition singles games. The development would be located in the southwest corner of the club's West Kensington site, near Field Road. The courts would occupy the ground floor of a proposed extension, featuring tiered seating and a viewing gallery.
As part of the scheme, the existing Fitness Studio on the first floor would be displaced. A new Fitness Studio would be built on the second floor, where the current Billiards Room is located. The billiards table would be relocated to the Games Room.
Additional Amenities and Community Benefits
The plans also include the construction of 15 new pram stores and a Housing Office for Hammersmith and Fulham Council. This would require the demolition of several derelict buildings and the redevelopment of part of Mary MacArthur House, a five-storey housing block built by the council in 1939.
According to documents filed with Hammersmith and Fulham Council, the club stated: "The proposed squash courts displace the existing Fitness Studio on the first floor. The proposal will provide a new Fitness Studio above the squash courts on the second floor, where the existing Billiards Room is currently located."
Club's Historical Significance and Current Offerings
The Queen's Club dates back to the late 1880s and is described on its website as "the first multipurpose sports complex ever to be built, anywhere in the world." It offers members sports including padel, squash, and tennis, and hosts the annual ATP Tour 500 and WTA 500 tournaments. This year's singles competitions were won by Francisco Cerundolo and Donna Vekić.
Purpose of the Application
The club stated that the application will enable it "to offer and promote improved squash facilities to professional, members and guests." It added: "A collaboration project between the Queen's Club and LBHF, this proposal will enhance the Queen's Club, Mary MacArthur House and its surroundings."
A consultation period on the plans is open until August 12.
