High Court judgement re Wimbledon Park

High Court judgement

There was disappointment for Save Wimbledon Park Ltd (SWP) and its supporters as the High Court ruled on 19 March 19th 2026, following a 6-day hearing in January, that the golf course land in Wimbledon Park is not subject to a statutory public recreation trust (under the Public Health Act 1875). Accordingly, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) is not bound by any restrictions, resulting from such trust, which might impede the massive expansion of its estate onto that land. The AELTC had conceded that its scheme to build a new stadium and 38 other tennis courts would be incompatible with public recreation rights but denied that such rights existed.

In view of the nationally-important issues of law involved in the case, SWP intends to apply to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal. Its decision is expected within about 3 months.

Meanwhile the restrictive covenants remain firmly in place. Mr Justice Saini, in his judgement following the Judicial Review on 8th and 9th July 2025 that challenged the GLA's granting of planning permission, remarked that "It is not in issue that the golf course land is the subject of restrictive covenants which require it to be kept open and free of built development".

The AELTC scheme cannot proceed unless the covenants are released by Merton Council. Merton remains silent on the question of whether they intend to enforce the covenants or not.

Further details can be found on Save Wimbledon Park's website: Save Wimbledon Park