Wimbledon Parks redevelopment by the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) dominated the discussion at Wimbledon’s Community Forum meeting last night, to no surprise.
Merton Council initially approved the plans for the redevelopment, but the proposal was referred to the Greater London Authority (GLA) after Wandsworth Council rejected the scheme last November, and the land straddles the two boroughs.
The GLA has recommended that the project should be approved, despite that proposals have been deeply controversial. Local residents are unhappy about the prospective 10 years of disruption, the disturbance to and removal of natural habitats and the overall creation of a “tennis industrial complex” that would be empty for much of the year.
The 221-page report that was filed said the project complied with most relevant planning policies and there were “no material considerations that are considered to justify the refusal of consent.” Further to this, the report also said the proposal would bring in £336m in annual benefits and create “40 year-round jobs and 256 Championships jobs.”
Speakers from Save Wimbledon Park Campaign, Christopher Coombe and Susan Cusack presented the Forum on Wednesday evening, drawing to attention the destruction the plans would cause to natural habitats, which, in their opinion, would not be adequately replaced. The proposal has promised to plant 1500 saplings in place of the trees that will need to be cleared, but, as Save Wimbledon Park highlighted, it takes 100 years to grow a 100-year-old tree. Concerns were also raised about flooding, of which there will be an increased risk, should the development go ahead.
Other arguments surrounded the assumption in Merton and Wandsworth that the Lawn Tennis Association, which stands to gain a significant amount of income from the proposal, as it is funded by the Championships, will therefore be able to invest in improvements to tennis facilities in the boroughs. However, as it was discussed on Wednesday, it has now been confirmed that all planned improvements have already been completed with existing funding, thereby calling into question any further prospective plans.
The development will add 39 new courts to the land, including one 8000-seat stadium, as well as hospitality facilities.
Among other topics discussed, was the transparency of Wimbledon’s Blue Plaques with regard to the former homes of slave owners. Representatives raised the points that the public should be made more aware that many of the historic homes in Wimbledon were once the homes of people who made their careers or at least an income from the slave trade in the UK.
Wimbledon Guild also presented on their ‘Warm and Well’ project which aims to help people in Merton stay warm throughout the winter, with particular focus on older people and those living with illness or disabilities. Initiatives the Guild are offering as part of this include: providing information on energy related benefits and support that individuals might be entitled to; suggesting ways to reduce energy costs and education on energy efficiency schemes; providing connection with trusted partners who can help with energy debt; finding out if individuals are eligible for the Priority Services Register and instructions on how to apply.