The All England Club's ambitious plans to expand the Wimbledon tennis grounds have hit a major legal hurdle, as London Mayor Sadiq Khan launches a High Court challenge against the government's approval of the project.
Mayor Takes Stand Against Development
Mr Khan has formally applied for a judicial review of Housing Secretary Michael Gove's decision to greenlight the construction of 38 new courts and an 8,000-seater stadium on Wimbledon Park Golf Club land. The Mayor argues the development would cause 'substantial harm' to the local environment and open spaces.
Environmental Concerns at Heart of Dispute
In his legal filing, Khan emphasised the potential damage to Metropolitan Open Land, which enjoys similar protections to Green Belt areas. The proposed expansion would see nearly 30 acres of green space transformed into tennis facilities, raising concerns about biodiversity loss and reduced public access to nature.
Local Opposition and Planning Controversy
The project has faced fierce resistance from residents and environmental groups since its inception. Merton Council initially approved the plans in 2022, but the decision was called in by the government for further scrutiny. Despite over 2,000 objections and opposition from neighbouring Wandsworth Council, Mr Gove approved the scheme in November 2023.
Wimbledon's Growth Ambitions
The All England Club maintains the expansion is crucial to maintaining Wimbledon's status as tennis's premier Grand Slam tournament. The new facilities would allow the qualifying competition to move from its current Roehampton location to the main site and create additional practice courts.
As the legal battle commences, the future of one of tennis's most iconic venues hangs in the balance, with environmental protection and sporting ambition set for a courtroom showdown.
