Merton is often in the conversation for best places to live in London. It has a lot to offer, including great schools, quiet residential streets, fantastic commercial hubs, and green space. The borough is also the home of Wimbledon, coming alive every year when it hosts the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Plans to expand the site have divided opinion though. We want to have a closer look here, then you can rely on us if you need property management in Merton, guaranteed rent, and more.
Plans
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) is proposing to redevelop the former golf course at Wimbledon Park. The land is adjacent to the current site. Expanding would allow them to create a new 8,000 seat stadium, 38 courts, and various other buildings and infrastructure. Significantly, it would allow them to host qualifying rounds at the site.
The project also aims to provide significant benefits for the local area. This includes providing 27 acres of new public park, redeveloping the lake and a new boardwalk, and space for community events. The estimate is the project will deliver hundreds of jobs and generate an additional £38m plus for the economy.
Development saga
Opinions about the plans have been divided from the start. Merton Council gave planning permission in 2023, but Wandsworth Council did not. However, the GLA then called in the application and made the decision to give approval in 2024. It seemed like a great sign that things could move forward. Speak to us about assets, property management in Merton, guaranteed rent, and more.
Notably, since getting planning permission there have been hurdles. Campaign group Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) launched a legal battle against the plans. They claim there is a statutory trust in place that specifies the land must be used for “public walks or pleasure grounds” due to the Public Health Act 1875.
There has since been an argument about any conditions on the land. The AELTC argue there was never a trust on the land. Additionally, they said if there was originally it would not have still been valid after their freehold purchase in 1993. SWP counter and say there were promises to protect the land, including Merton Council demanding covenants to ensure the site would be open space.
The High Court finding in March was there was no statutory trust on the land. However, SWP chose to appeal the decision. Significantly, last month a judge said they had the right to challenge. Critically, Lord Justice Newey said there was “sufficient substance” that an appeal would have a “real prospect” of succeeding.
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It will be interesting to see what happens next. The AELTC still believes their project is in the interests of the public and local community. They also said there is significant backing from “the majority” of residents to move forward with the plans. However, SWP continues to battle to save the site, working to keep it as public parkland.
Whatever happens, Merton remains a very popular place to live. It’s a great area to target, especially if you’re an investor. We’d be happy to help if you need some support. Finefair Ltd is one of the best providers of guaranteed rent in London. At the same time, we provide a range of other flexible solutions such as property management in Merton.
So, if you want some help, please get in touch. We provide fantastic solutions for all kinds of needs.
