Mayor of London’s Office Assumes Control of Decision on Wimbledon Expansion

The mayor of London’s office has taken over the decision-making process regarding the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s (AELTC) contentious proposal to expand the Wimbledon grand slam championships into a Grade II*-listed park. The move comes after disagreements between Merton and Wandsworth councils regarding the AELTC’s plan to construct an 8,000-seat stadium on Wimbledon Park.

A spokesperson for city hall stated that the deputy mayor has issued a direction under article 7 of the Town and Country Planning (Mayor of London) Order, designating him as the local planning authority to determine the application. A comprehensive planning hearing will be scheduled in the future.

The AELTC, responsible for the championships since 1877, seeks approval to build a 10-storey show court and 38 grass courts on Wimbledon Park. Critics describe the plan as an “industrial tennis complex.” Although Merton council approved the proposal, Wandsworth council rejected it.

Wimbledon Park, a Grade II*-listed site landscaped by Capability Brown, requires approval from both councils due to its location spanning both boroughs. With the decision referred to the Greater London Authority (GLA), Mayor Sadiq Khan recused himself, having expressed support for the expansion in 2021. Deputy Mayor Jules Pipe has now taken control of the application.

Over 16,000 people have signed a petition to “save Wimbledon Park,” with 2,000 letters of objection received by the councils. MPs Stephen Hammond and Fleur Anderson have also joined forces to oppose the AELTC’s plans.

Deborah Jevans, AELTC’s chair, welcomed city hall’s decision, emphasizing the potential community benefits and the transformation of Wimbledon. However, opponents, including the Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) campaign group, argue that the AELTC should reconsider the plans and engage with local communities.

The proposed expansion, which involves removing almost 300 trees, has faced criticism for potential environmental impact. The AELTC asserts that most of the trees are of poor quality, pledging to plant 1,500 new ones. The tennis club first aimed to expand into Wimbledon Park in 1993 and bought the freehold in 2018, initiating the current debate.