Why is Wimbledon expanding its property?

In 2018, Wimbledon paid a whopping 70 million euros for the surrounding land, which included a golf course. After obtaining numerous permits over five years, the much-anticipated expansion of the stadium is finally coming to fruition.

The hosts of the most important tennis tournament in the world are planning to construct an additional field with stands capable of seating 8,000 people. The expansion will also involve building 38 new playgrounds to accommodate the expected visitor increase. This move is expected to increase the average daily visitors from 42,000 to 50,000.

However, the stadium’s expansion is facing significant opposition from various environmental associations concerned about the impact of the development on the natural environment. This opposition is mainly because this part of London is not fully urbanized and is home to various animals, including foxes. The “Save Wimbledon Park” movement, which aims to protect the natural environment, has gathered 13,000 signatures.

Despite the opposition, the expansion of the tennis cathedral is still ongoing. The project has been a long time coming, and Wimbledon’s management is optimistic that adding a new field and playgrounds will make the tournament even more enjoyable for visitors.

Unfortunately, the efforts of generations to preserve the traditional environment are now falling apart, according to some residents. The first of the more important permits has arrived, with confirmation of this permit expected on October 26. After that, the whole case will be transferred to the hands of the Mayor of London. If everything goes as planned, these courts could be used from 2030.

The organizers aim to increase the capacity of the court and the complex to accommodate more people and generate millions of pounds. Currently, Wimbledon is played on 19 courts, but the space between them is so tight that movement is restricted. A goal is to host the qualifiers at this stadium, as currently, this tournament level is held a few kilometers away from Roehampton at another location, which is not ideal.