Getty ImagesThe proposed expansion would add an 8,000-seat stadium to the sitePlans to almost triple the size of the Wimbledon tennis site have moved a step closer after the High Court ruled the development was not restricted by land-use rules.
All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) wants to build 38 new tennis courts and an 8,000-seat stadium by developing a former golf course.
Campaign group Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) argued a statutory trust existed under the Public Health Act, meaning the land had to be kept as a public space - but club lawyers said when AELTC purchased the freehold in 1993, any trust would no longer apply.
SWP has said it intended to apply to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal.
In a ruling released on Thursday, Mr Justice Thompsell said the land was "never appropriated or dedicated to the use of public recreation" and instead "was used as a private golf club", adding that the club was "unencumbered by any statutory trust".
"It never became the subject of a statutory trust and therefore the 1986 lease and the 1993 transfer of the freehold were each made free of such trust," the ruling said.
"Even if the above proposition is wrong, it is clear that the land was never used or laid out for public recreation."
Deborah Jevans, chairwoman of AELTC, said the ruling provided "important clarity".
She said: "The ruling represents a significant milestone for our plans, which will, as well as delivering 27 acres of beautiful new public parkland on previously private land, allow us to maintain Wimbledon's position as one of the world's most successful sporting events."
The plans had been approved by the Greater London Authority (GLA) in 2024.
PA MediaProtesters outside the Rolls Building of the Royal Courts of JusticeJeremy Hudson of SWP said: "We love tennis but we continue the fight after this news because there is a strong case for protecting this precious open space from development.
"Wimbledon promised they would never build on this land, and Wimbledon can do better because there are existing, alternative plans which show that their scheme can be accommodated on their current site."
He added: "These better plans would still allow AELTC to stage a qualifying tournament on site in keeping with the other Grand Slams. Therefore, we fight on."
More on this storyWimbledon plan faces dispute over 150-year-old law
Wimbledon expansion plan to be challenged in court
Related internet linksSave Wimbledon Park
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