Wimbledon moved a step closer to a dramatic expansion that could triple its size following a general meeting of members of its neighbouring golf club.
The All England Club has made a £65million bid to buy Wimbledon Park Golf Club’s land 23 years before it is due to revert back to them.
The golf club’s constitution prior to last night’s meeting would have meant that only members for more than 10 years would have been able to receive the spoils of Wimbledon’s bid.
However the members agreed by more than the 75 per cent majority required to change the articles of association, allowing its members to take home £85,000 each after tax.
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Speaking prior to the meeting Mick Desmond, Wimbledon’s commercial and media director, said: “We have a fantastic site but we’d like to create a bigger site.
“We believe we will become a much bigger, more prestigious event by getting that land but also give something back to the community.”
A further vote will be required in December to formally approve the bid but an All England Club spokesperson said they were “encouraged” by the Wimbledon Park Golf Club’s decision.
Wimbledon owns the lease on the golf club, whose land would have reverted to them regardless in 2021, but believe expansion in the next decade is vital if they are to keep pace with Grand Slams and other major sporting events.
