"They promised not to build" say Wimbledon residents objecting to the expansion

The most famous tennis tournament in the world is going bigger by the year attracting more and more visitors each year. While the numbers have been down due to the pandemic the event is still expecting growth over the next several years which is why the facilities will expand. The move was announced by the AELTC explaining that 67 hectares will be added to the compound.

Local residents are hot happy about it explaining that promises were made by locals that no expansion will take place. More than 1,000 public objections have been made against those visions along with 30 letters of support. At a Merton council meeting, Liberal Democrat councilor Paul Kohler called on the council to obstruct the plans:

“When the council sold the freehold of the Wimbledon Golf Club site to the All England Club in 1993 they gave public assurances that they would never build on the land. [That was] backed up with a legally enforceable covenant in the sale agreement. Now the All England Club is trying to go back on its word and break its promises to the council and to Wimbledon residents.

It's hard to see how any of this will prevent plans that have been made and approved but it's expected that the move will be legally challenged by the local councils. What happens remains to be seen but as of now the AELTC is looking to construct 39 new grass courts and a new 8,000 seat show court.