Wimbledon Master Plan commences with Court 14 excavation

The Wimbledon Master Plan, the All England Club's vision for the future development of the grounds, has begun with the digging up of Court 14. 

The Master Plan, announced at the annual Spring Press Conference in February, is founded on the ambition to maintain Wimbledon's position as the premier tennis tournament in the world and on grass.

One of the plan's primary objectives is to create more space for players, spectators, and the myriad of other stakeholders whom are so important to the running of The Championships. The excavation beneath Courts 14 and 15 will provide crucial basement space, which in turn will lead to improved facilities for players, press and other Championships' stakeholders. 

Courts 14 and 15 will be rebuilt over the new basement space, and will be operational again for The Championships in 2015. 

The highest-profile part of the Master Plan is the building of a new fixed and retractable roof over No.1 Court, which is currently at the design stage. The intention is that the new roof will be complete in time for The Championships in 2019, and will include extended seating and improved hospitality and broadcast facilities. 

The Master Plan also includes the building of three new Championship courts to the north of No.1 Court, moving Court 12 to increase space between the banks of courts in the southern part of the grounds, and a new indoor and clay court tennis centre in Somerset road. 

You can read more about the Wimbledon Master Plan in the published prospectus or email [email protected].