The All England Lawn Tennis Club has announced that the famous 'Henman Hill' is to undergo a makeover. The facelift will allow better viewing points and will transform wheelchair access to The Hill’s various tiers, including the Orchard and Pergola areas, at the top of The Hill.
The plans will also see more seating iunstalled via a number of new low retaining walls which will maxmise visibility of the Centre Court large screen by reducing the gradient of the existing tiers. These changes will allow for an expanded capacity with a 20 per cent 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. The work is meant to begin after the The Championships next year and the new-look Hill will be ready to welcome guests at The Championships 2027.
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This project forms part of the All England Club’s plans to mark the 150th anniversary of the first Championships in 1877. 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.
A consultation event for local residents to learn more will take place on Thursday, April 10, before the planning application is submitted to the London Borough of Merton.
Chair of the All England Club Deborah Jevans CBE said: “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 said: “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.”
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