Wimbledon’s controversial expansion plans have been given the green light by the Greater London Authority.
The decision taken by Jules Pipe, London’s deputy mayor for planning, means the All England Club’s proposal to build 39 new courts, including an 8,000-seat show court, on the adjacent former Wimbledon Park Golf Club and nearly triple the size of its current site looks set to go ahead.
The decision had been expected after GLA planning officers recommended permission be granted, and Pipe cited the sporting, financial and community benefits to both the tournament and city.
“In summary, the proposed development would facilitate very significant benefits,” he said. “I agree with my officers that these benefits clearly outweigh the harm.”
QUALIFYING ONSITE
Central to Wimbledon’s case has been the desire to hold its qualifying competition, which is currently staged at nearby Roehampton, on its own land.
Chair Debbie Jevans said: “We are delighted that the Greater London Authority has resolved to approve our applications to transform the former Wimbledon Park golf course.
“Our proposals will deliver 27 acres of newly accessible parkland for the community and enable us to bring the qualifying competition for The Championships onsite, with all of the substantial economic and employment opportunities this presents.
“Every stage of this project will be delivered with a meticulous attention to detail and the utmost respect for both our neighbours and the environment.
“We look forward to working with all parties to bring this vision to life, delivering one of London’s greatest sporting transformations since the 2012 Games and securing Wimbledon’s future at the pinnacle of world sport.”
Another boost for the All England Club came with the news that Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has decided not to call in the application, leaving legal challenges as the only avenue open to protesters hoping to stop the development.
MAYOR LEAVES DECISION IN OTHER HANDS
The Mayor of London’s office took charge of the application in January after Merton Council approved the plans and Wandsworth Council rejected them late last year.
The land for the proposed expansion sits primarily in Merton but one section of it is in Wandsworth.
Mayor Sadiq Khan recused himself from the process having previously expressed public support for the development, leaving the matter in Pipe’s hands.
Plans were first submitted to Merton back in 2021, three years after the All England Club bought out golf club members with the intention of developing the land, and the issue has become increasingly acrimonious.
Protesters assembled outside City Hall ahead of the hearing and a number spoke in the chamber during a morning session lasting more than three hours.
Laughter could be heard at several points while, after a GLA planning officer explained why they had recommended the deputy mayor approve the scheme, a man shouted out “shame on you”.
Fleur Anderson, the MP for Putney, said giving a green light to the scheme would set “a dangerous London-wide and national precedent”, while Christopher Coombe from the Save Wimbledon Park group added: “Approval at this stage would be really shocking. The land has been protected forever.”
The objectors also included Richard Rees, who was previously the lead planner for the building of Wimbledon’s Court One and the development of Henman Hill.
Those against the plans believe the harm they would cause to open land is not justified, while the All England Club argues it needs to expand to keep up with the other grand slams, which have all invested heavily in improving their sites in recent years.
The proposal includes parkland accessible to the public and community-minded developments, such as work on Wimbledon Park lake.