Councils will meet to adjudicate on whether to place new tennis courts and an 8,000-seat stadium on the site of the existing golf course at Wimbledon Park.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club’s proposal aims to hold the Qualifying rounds for the Wimbledon Championship in the new sports complex.
They did not respond directly for comment, but in a public statement on their website, they say that moving the event on-site will make it “worthy of our world class player field”. It also says it will “enhance practice and junior event facilities”.
Sally Bolton, AELTC Chief Executive, claims that the developments will have a positive effect on the environment. She said they will provide “significantly increasing access to green space and providing an important sanctuary for nature”.
Areas of Wimbledon Park have already been closed off in advance of potential construction work
However, campaigning group ‘Save Wimbledon Park’ (SWP) oppose the developments. They say there is a potential damage to the local flora and fauna. Primary organiser Susan Cusack believes the AELTC wants to “annihilate” this green space for the sake of the qualifiers. She says this would cause active harm to water-based wildlife.
Merton Council is one of the two branches of local government that have a say in the park’s future. They have already voted in favour of the proposal. Wandsworth Council, the other branch, are due to meet on November 21st to cast their judgement. A public meeting will be held for residents in the area to voice their views.
Merton and Wandsworth Council did not respond to requests for comment.
Short HeadlineContention over the future of Wimbledon Park
StandfirstThe All England Lawn Tennis Club's application to develop on the area currently occupied by Wimbledon Park golf course is proving divisive
Councils will meet to adjudicate on whether to place new tennis courts and an 8,000-seat stadium on the site of the existing golf course at Wimbledon Park.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club’s proposal aims to hold the Qualifying rounds for the Wimbledon Championship in the new sports complex.
They did not respond directly for comment, but in a public statement on their website, they say that moving the event on-site will make it “worthy of our world class player field”. It also says it will “enhance practice and junior event facilities”.
Sally Bolton, AELTC Chief Executive, claims that the developments will have a positive effect on the environment. She said they will provide “significantly increasing access to green space and providing an important sanctuary for nature”.
Areas of Wimbledon Park have already been closed off in advance of potential construction work
However, campaigning group ‘Save Wimbledon Park’ (SWP) oppose the developments. They say there is a potential damage to the local flora and fauna. Primary organiser Susan Cusack believes the AELTC wants to “annihilate” this green space for the sake of the qualifiers. She says this would cause active harm to water-based wildlife.
Merton Council is one of the two branches of local government that have a say in the park’s future. They have already voted in favour of the proposal. Wandsworth Council, the other branch, are due to meet on November 21st to cast their judgement. A public meeting will be held for residents in the area to voice their views.
Merton and Wandsworth Council did not respond to requests for comment.
