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High Court Backs Wimbledon Expansion With Ruling Parkland Not Under Public Trust

A judge concluded the former golf course was never held for public recreation, removing a key legal barrier to the All England Club’s £200m plan.

Overview

  • Mr Justice Nicholas Thompsell found the land had been used as a private golf club and was "unencumbered by any statutory trust," resolving the core legal question.
  • Save Wimbledon Park said it will seek permission to appeal the ruling, maintaining the site should be preserved for public recreation under 19th‑century legislation.
  • A separate Court of Appeal challenge to the Greater London Authority’s 2024 planning approval is pending, so construction is not yet assured.
  • The expansion would nearly triple the site and add 38–39 new courts and an 8,000‑seat show court, enabling on‑site qualifying and creating 27 acres of new public parkland.
  • The All England Club bought out the Wimbledon Park Golf Club lease for £65m in 2018, a step that cleared the way for submitting the current redevelopment plans.