By Richard Pagliaro Friday, March 20, 2026
Photo credit: Jon Buckle/Rolex
A High Court ruling has paved the way for a major expansion of Wimbledon.
A grass-court Grand Slam could triple in size after High Court judge Tompsell dismissed a lawsuit brought to save Wimbledon Park.
The All England Club purchased the golf club adjacent to the course and announced plans to add 38 courses and an 8,000-seat stadium on the site of the original golf course. The AELTC plans to host the Wimbledon qualifying tournament at the newly expanded venue.
an opposition group, Save Wimbledon Park, It was claimed that the land was designated as an object of public space and that Wimbledon had no rights to extend that public space.
Judge Tompsell ruled that the land had “never been appropriated or used exclusively for public recreation” but had been “used as a private golf club”, adding that the club was “unencumbered by any statutory trust”. According to Sky Sports.
Deborah Jevons, President of the All England Club Called the ruling “an important milestone.”
Deborah Jevons said in a statement: “This ruling is an important milestone in our plans to maintain Wimbledon’s status as one of the most successful sporting events in the world, in addition to creating 27 acres of beautiful new public parkland on formerly private land. “Hosting qualifying events at SW19 will bring us in line with other Grand Slam tournaments, and by adding training facilities for the world’s best players, we will bring fans closer to the best players in the sport.
“We know from discussions with more than 10,000 local residents that the vast majority want us to implement and deliver the benefits of our plans as quickly as possible.”
Save Wimbledon Park, which protested during Wimbledon 2025, said they planned to appeal to the Court of Appeal to gain the right to appeal the decision.
“Wimbledon can do better as there are alternative plans in place that suggest their plans can be carried out at their current venues.” Save Wimbledon Park director Jeremy Hudson told Sky Sports. “Not only will this protect the environment, it will also keep the park free for public recreation and enjoyment. These better plans will still allow (clubs) to host qualifying events on site, in line with other Grand Slam tournaments.
“So we keep fighting.”
