The controversial expansion of the tennis courts at Wimbledon is moving a step closer. However, the last word may not yet have been spoken.
The controversial expansion of the tennis courts at Wimbledon Park may be carried out as planned. The plans of the All England Club, the host of the legendary Grand Slam tournament, to build 39 new tennis courts on protected land, received the green light on Friday. Among other things, a new show court with 8,000 seats is planned. The current site of the lawn classic would thus almost triple in size.
Deputy Mayor sees great advantages
London’s Deputy Mayor Jules Pipe approved the project after the Greater London Authority (GLA), which is responsible for planning, had already recommended the project. Pipe justified the decision by saying that the advantages for the Wimbledon tournament and for the surrounding area outweighed the disadvantages. Opponents of the project fear damage to the environment.
According to a report in the Guardian, it is still not certain whether the expansion will actually go ahead now that it has been approved. This is because opponents of the project, including many local residents, can demand a judicial review and possibly submit the plans to the Supreme Court. There were protests against the expansion in Wimbledon during the summer tournament.