London, UK – A significant legal battle is underway at the High Court in London, challenging the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) approval of the All England Club’s ambitious expansion plans for the Wimbledon tennis site.
The case, which commenced on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, centers on the proposed development of land currently occupied by the former Wimbledon Park Golf Club, a site recognized as a Grade II*-listed heritage asset. The legal challenge is being brought by the campaign group Save Wimbledon Park (SWP), which argues that the GLA’s decision to greenlight the project is unlawful.
The Proposed Expansion
The All England Club’s vision for expansion is substantial, aiming to nearly triple the size of the existing Wimbledon site. The plan includes building 38 new grass tennis pitches and an 8,000-seat show court stadium on the former golf course land. In total, the expansion would add an area equivalent to approximately 50 football pitches, significantly increasing the number of tennis courts from the current 41 to 80.
The club, chaired by Debbie Jevans, contends that the expansion is vital for the future of the tournament. Proponents argue the plans will create 27 acres of “newly accessible parkland” for public use and enable the qualifying tournament to be held on-site, consolidating the prestigious championships within a single location.
Legal Grounds for the Challenge
Save Wimbledon Park’s core legal argument hinges on the protected status of the land. Lawyers for SWP, including Sasha White KC, presented their case to the court, asserting that the former golf course land is subject to stringent restrictions akin to those governing Green Belt areas. They argue that developing this sensitive site for commercial and sporting purposes contravenes planning laws and sets a “dangerous precedent” for other protected urban green spaces.
The group contends that the proposed scale of development on a Grade II*-listed heritage landscape is incompatible with its protected status and that the GLA failed to give sufficient weight to these protections when granting approval.
Campaigners Voice Opposition
The court hearing on Tuesday saw dozens of campaigners from Save Wimbledon Park and supporting groups gather outside the High Court and attend proceedings. Their presence underscored the strong public opposition to the development plans, which has gained considerable local traction.
Christopher Coombe, a director of SWP, highlighted the campaigners’ significant concerns, focusing particularly on the potential environmental impacts of the large-scale construction and the irreversible loss of public recreational space that the development would entail. Opponents argue that while some ‘parkland’ is promised, it does not compensate for the ecological damage and the fundamental change in character of the historic landscape.
The All England Club’s Defence
In response to the legal challenge and public opposition, an All England Club spokesperson reiterated the club’s position. They stated that the proposed expansion is not only crucial for the logistical future and continued global standing of the Wimbledon Championships but will also deliver significant community benefits, including the promised parkland access and enhanced facilities.
The club maintains that the development has been carefully planned to minimize environmental impact and integrate sensitively with the surrounding area, while fulfilling the necessary requirements for hosting a world-class sporting event.
Court Proceedings Continue
The hearing before Mr Justice Saini is expected to conclude on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Following the conclusion of oral arguments, Mr Justice Saini will reserve his judgment, with a written decision to be delivered at a later date.
The outcome of this judicial review carries significant weight, potentially determining the fate of a major sporting expansion project and setting a precedent for development on protected heritage landscapes within London. Both sides await the court’s ruling on whether the GLA’s approval was indeed lawful, in a case that pits the future ambitions of a globally renowned sports institution against the preservation of historic green space.
