Wimbledon is planning a significant renovation to increase its venue capacity by 20 percent in celebration of its 150th anniversary.
The ambitious project aims to improve accessibility and welcome even more tennis enthusiasts to the prestigious All England Club.
Central to the renovation is the expansion of the iconic Henman Hill, a favorite spot for fans to watch matches on a large screen.
According to Tim Henman, for whom the hill is named, the plan is an “exciting project” focused on “enhancing this whole area” and improving accessibility for all visitors.
This renovation is part of a broader expansion initiative at Wimbledon. Plans include the construction of 39 additional courts and a new 8,000-capacity stadium located in nearby Wimbledon Park.
These developments will enable the Wimbledon qualifying tournament to be held directly at the venue and provide enhanced practice facilities for players.
While Merton Council has supported the project, it has faced opposition from residents in neighboring Wandsworth, raising concerns about the protection of Wimbledon Park.
Ultimately, London`s City Hall approved the expansion, with Deputy Mayor Jules Pipe making the final decision after Mayor Sadiq Khan recused himself due to a conflict of interest.
Despite objections and concerns about potential legal covenants and construction impacts, the project has been given the green light. Opposing residents are now considering a judicial review and even potential appeals to the Supreme Court.
