The All England Lawn Tennis Club has revealed its ambition to undertake a programme of enhancements to one of sport’s famous viewing experiences, The Hill at Wimbledon.
The AELTC said the improvement works are scheduled to commence following the conclusion of The Championships 2026 and the new-look Hill will be ready to welcome guests at The Championships 2027.
This project forms part of the All England Club’s plans to mark the 150th anniversary of the first Championships in 1877.
The spiritual home for many a tennis fan, The Hill is one of the most coveted and atmospheric areas at The Championships with an unrivalled view of the No.1 Court large screen showing live action from around the Grounds.
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC), also known as the All England Club, based at Church Road, Wimbledon, London, England (UK) is a private members’ club. It is best known as the venue for the Wimbledon Championships, the only Grand Slam tennis event still held on grass.
The Wimbledon Championships, commonly called Wimbledon, is a tennis tournament organized by the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) in collaboration with the Lawn Tennis Association annually in Wimbledon, London (UK).
The AELTC said the planned developments will allow far greater accessible viewing opportunities and will transform wheelchair access to The Hill’s various tiers, including the Orchard and Pergola areas, situated at the top of The Hill.
The plans will also deliver more seating through a number of new low retaining walls which will optimise visibility of the No.1 Court large screen by reducing the gradient of the existing tiers.
These changes will allow for an expanded capacity with a 20% increase in guests enjoying use of the space. The environment in and around The Hill will be enhanced by removing existing paths and replacing them with permeable pathways, as well as introducing sun shading and rain cover via a new pergola.
There has been a focus on improving biodiversity including a stunning new floral display on the uppermost tier of The Hill and the use of flowers to replace existing permanent signage.
Deborah Jevans CBE, Chair of the All England Club, commented, “The redevelopment of our world-famous Hill, in time for The Championships 2027, will allow even more tennis fans to enjoy its unique atmosphere and vantage point. I am particularly pleased that these plans will increase the accessibility of The Hill for our guests using wheelchairs or who have additional accessibility requirements.
“It is an exciting opportunity as we look towards 2027 and the 150th anniversary of the first Championships.”
Ruth Hopkins, General Manager & Head of Access at Level Playing Field, added, “I am delighted that Level Playing Field has played an important role in working with the All England Club to enhance their world-famous Hill to be an inclusive and accessible space for everyone attending Wimbledon. These plans will deliver significant improvements for all guests but particularly for those with accessibility requirements.”
A planning application for the enhancements is due to be submitted to the London Borough of Merton.
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