The High Court in London has dismissed an appeal by opponents against plans to expand Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam tournament of the season.
The organisers submitted plans to construct 38 new tennis courts on an open piece of parkland adjacent to the current Wimbledon grounds. These plans also include the construction of a stadium with a retractable roof, which would accommodate 8,000 spectators.
The expansion would allow the qualifying tournament to be held at the same location as the main tournament. Currently, the qualifying matches are played at the nearby Roehampton courts.
The project, in development since 2021, has faced strong opposition from local stakeholders and environmental groups. The protest group Save Wimbledon Park has expressed significant discontent, with its lawyers arguing that the approval is “irrational” and contravenes certain regulations regarding the park’s management.
In early July, tournament director Jamie Baker reiterated at a press conference how “enthusiastic” the organisers remained about the expansion project.
“We know that we must make several important decisions in the coming months, and we are working as hard as possible while continually listening,” he assured. “Ultimately, we aim for the best outcome for the community, for Wimbledon, and for the country.”
