Three times larger than current! Despite protests from environmentalists: Wimbledon is being significantly expanded

The world-famous tennis facility at Wimbledon can be significantly expanded. The All England Club received the green light for its controversial expansion plans from London’s deputy mayor Jules Pipe on Friday. These provide for 39 additional grass courts, including a show court with 8,000 seats. The plan is to build on the adjacent former Wimbledon Park Golf Club.

This would make the current area of ​​the facility three times larger. The plans were submitted in 2021, but they provoked strong opposition from environmentalists.

Friday’s decision was expected, with Greater London Authority planning officers previously recommending approval be given based on the financial and community benefits.

After the expansion, Wimbledon will also hold the qualification for the prestigious Grand Slam tournament on its own facility; so far this has taken place in Roehampton, around five kilometers away.