Henman Hill to get shelter under fresh Wimbledon expansion plans

Different generations of tennis fans may disagree on its name – to traditionalists it will always be Henman Hill, millennials probably plump for Murray Mound and gen Z may know it as Raducanu Rise or even, regrettably, Jack’s Stack – but all ages can agree that bringing a little shelter to Wimbledon’s most famous viewing area can only be a good thing.

Wimbledon’s Hill – which since 1997 has allowed tennis fans with a grounds pass to watch the action on No 1 Court live atop its grassy knoll – is getting a makeover, the All England Lawn and Tennis Club (AELTC) has announced.

A multimillion-pound development, due to be finished in time for the 2027 championships, will boost the Hill’s capacity by 20% and improve accessibility for wheelchair users. Plans include a new pergola – and there is little Wimbledon likes more than a pergola – which will provide a space for more hanging plants to provide shade and protection from British summer rain.

The pergola, which will replace the structure at the top of the Hill, will wrap around the area’s 150-year-old oak tree while the AELTC hopes to make the area more environmentally sustainable by replacing tarmac paths with permeable resin. New accessible pathways to cross the slope aim to make the Hill easier to navigate for wheelchair users.

New paths crossing the slope would be added to improve accessibility. Photograph: AELTC/Allies and Morrison

“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,” said Deborah Jevans, the AELTC chair.

“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.”

A consultation for local residents to learn more about the plans and give feedback is planned on 10 April before a planning application is submitted to Merton council.

The AELTC will hope it is a smoother process than it experienced with its plan to vastly expand its grand slam venue, which aims to add 39 courts and an 8,000-seat show court, and to restore a lake designed by Capability Brown.

In January a campaign group, Save Wimbledon Park, started legal action to stop the expansion of the club, calling for a judicial review of plans to convert a swathe of the former Wimbledon Park golf course.

The protest group says the development of the 29-hectare (72-acre) site – which was given planning permission in September by the mayor of London’s office – is “inappropriate”.

Work on the new-look Hill will start after the 2026 championships, and is expected to be unveiled – presumably with Pimm’s to toast the occasion – for the 150th anniversary of the tournament in 2027.

Ruth Hopkins, general manager and head of access at the charity Level Playing Field, said: “I am delighted that Level Playing Field has played an important role in working with the AELTC 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.”