Wimbledon expansion plans receive High Court boost

The All England Club’s plans to transform the former Wimbledon Park golf course received a significant boost after Mr Justice Thompsell ruled that the golf course land has never been held under a statutory trust.

Deborah Jevans, Chair of the All England Club, commented: “We welcome the High Court ruling which has found in favour of the All England Club and confirms that the former Wimbledon Park golf course land is not, and never has been, subject to a statutory trust.

“This Judgment provides important clarity on the status of the land. As has long been our position, the land has never been held under a statutory public recreation trust and the Court’s decision now brings welcome legal certainty to this matter, which all parties need in order to move forward.

“The ruling represents a significant milestone for our plans which will, as well as delivering 27 acres of beautiful new public parkland on previously private land, allow us to maintain Wimbledon’s position as one of the world’s most successful sporting events. Hosting our Qualifying Competition in SW19 will bring us into line with the other Grand Slams, and by increasing the practice facilities for the world’s best players, we will bring fans even closer to the sport’s best athletes.

“We know from our discussions with more than 10,000 local residents that the vast majority of people want us to get on and deliver the benefits of our plans as soon as possible.”

These proposals will deliver one of the greatest sporting transformations for London since 2012. They are crucial to ensuring Wimbledon remains at the pinnacle of tennis, one of the world’s best sporting events, and a global attraction for both London and the UK.

On offer are substantial year-round benefits for our community and the delivery of significant social, economic, and environmental improvements. This includes more than 27 acres of new public parkland on what is currently inaccessible, private land.
We have now spoken to more than 10,000 local people at more than 100 information events during the last five years and YouGov polling shows twice as many local people support the plans as those who oppose them.

To find out more about the project please click here.