The chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club is thrilled that future potential champions from Merton will have a place to hone their forehands after permission was granted to build new tennis courts last night.
Richard Lewis said they did not have a plan B for the hundreds of young players at the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative (WJTI), who faced being turfed-out when the All England Club is redeveloped next year.
WJTI youngsters and coaches Dan Bloxham, left, and Lizzie Bloxham, far right.
Permission for two projects - new tennis courts on Raynes Park Playing Fields and the redevelopment of the All England Club - were approved by councillors last night.
Mr Lewis, who spoke at the meeting, said afterwards: "I am delighted; they are two very important applications.
"We were optimistic about tonight but we worked hard - we have had great support along the way."
The All England Club from above. An artists' impression.
He added he was delighted the plan for Raynes Park has been approved as they did not have an alternative plan for the youngsters and coaches.
Their home is set to be redeveloped as part of the master plan for the world-famous Wimbledon venue.
Mr Lewis said work would begin on the Church Road site after the 2015 Championships.
Mr Lewis added: "It’s all systems go, it’s very exciting."
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Residents who live near the playing fields in Grand Drive expressed concerns over flood lighting, traffic and parking when it is in use.
Nick Green, who lives in Grand Drive, said: "We are aggrieved.
"A tennis court that used to exist there has been morphed into car parks.
"The All England Club are going to blight
our homes."
There will be six floodlit synthetic surface tennis courts, partly covered by an air dome, and a single storey building with changing rooms.
It will feature eight 10 metre high columns for 12 flood lights for three of the courts which would be uncovered, a new electrical substation, switch room and inflation unit, all for a temporary period of 10 years.
The area, owned by the All England Club, would be resurfaced and the entrance onto Grand Drive widened for cars.
Raynes Park Playing Fields where the new courts will be built
Work is due to start in April for the project to be ready to open by September in time for the new school year.
Dan Bloxham, head coach for the All England Club, who heads up the WJTI, said: "I think it’s very exciting.
"It creates a fantastic opportunity for the kids of Merton to play in a world class facility which can only enhance their sporting experience.
"Being involved in something positive gives them a sense of belonging."
The WJTI is the community tennis initiative run by the All England Club which began in 2001.
The WJTI coaches, led by Mr Bloxham, visit schools in Merton and Wandsworth on a weekly basis, to hold tennis coaching lessons, quite often for free.
The decision was made by the planning committee at Merton Council.
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