Wimbledon's plans to triple the size of its site have received a significant boost after a High Court judge ruled that the land earmarked for development is not subject to a statutory trust. The All England Club's proposals, approved by the Greater London Authority in 2024, include 38 new tennis courts and an 8,000-seat stadium on the site of the former Wimbledon Park Golf Club.
Campaign group Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) had argued that a statutory trust under the Public Health Act 1875 required the land to be used as public walks or pleasure grounds. However, Mr Justice Thompsell found that the land was never dedicated to public recreation and had been used as a private golf club. He stated that the club's purchase of the freehold in 1993 was 'unencumbered by any statutory trust'.
The ruling removes a legal obstacle to the project, but the planning permission itself still faces a separate challenge. SWP lost a High Court challenge last July but has been granted permission to appeal that decision at the Court of Appeal. The group said it would also seek to challenge Thursday's ruling, citing 'nationally important issues of law'.
Jeremy Hudson, a director of SWP, argued that there is a 'strong case for protecting this precious open space' and that alternative plans exist to accommodate the qualifying tournament on the club's current site. Deborah Jevans, chair of the All England Club, welcomed the ruling, saying it provides 'important clarity' and will allow the club to maintain its position as a leading sporting event while delivering new public parkland.
