The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club has cleared a major legal hurdle in its plans to expand the Wimbledon grounds, after the High Court rejected a challenge by campaigners. The £200 million scheme aims to treble the size of the historic site by developing a former golf course to include 39 new courts.
The campaign group Save Wimbledon Park argued that the land is subject to a statutory trust requiring its preservation for public recreation. However, Judge Nicholas Thompsell ruled that the land was 'never dedicated to the use of public recreation' and could be sold without imposing a public trust.
AELTC chair Deborah Jevans hailed the decision as a significant milestone, noting that the plans will deliver 27 acres of new public parkland. She added that discussions with over 10,000 local residents showed the vast majority support the project.
Save Wimbledon Park announced its intention to seek permission to appeal the ruling, with director Jeremy Hudson stating there is a 'strong case for protecting this precious open space'. The group also has permission to appeal a separate challenge against planning permission granted by the Greater London Authority.
