The Hill is one of the most coveted and atmospheric areas at The Championships with an unrivalled view of the No.1 Court large screen showing live action from around the Grounds.
The enhancement works are scheduled to commence following the conclusion of The Championships 2026 and the new-look Hill will be ready to welcome guests at The Championships 2027. This project forms part of the All England Club’s plans to mark the 150th anniversary of the first Championships in 1877.
The planned developments will allow far greater accessible viewing opportunities and will transform wheelchair access to The Hill’s various tiers, including the Orchard and Pergola areas, situated at the top of The Hill. The plans will also deliver more seating through a number of new low retaining walls which will optimise visibility of the No.1 Court large screen by reducing the gradient of the existing tiers.
- The area in which The Hill is situated was originally Barkers Sports Ground and was used by the employees of Barkers of Kensington department store.
- The All England Club bought the land in the 1960s and rented it to the New Zealand Sports Club.
- The Kiwis duly gave the site a Maori name, Aorangi, meaning ‘Cloud in the Sky’.
- In 1981, the All England Club brought the land into the Club Grounds.
- The Hill first opened to guests in 1997 and was created by the removal of earth from the excavated site of No.1 Court.
- All excess earth not needed for The Hill was removed from site and was used as a capping layer for the foundations of what is now the O2 Arena in Greenwich.
- The Championships 2027 will mark The Hill’s 30th anniversary.
The changes will allow for an expanded capacity with a 20% 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.
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.
Deborah Jevans CBE, Chair of the All England Club, commented, “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, commented, “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.”
A consultation event for local residents to learn more about the plans and to offer their feedback will take place on Thursday 10 April before the planning application is submitted to the London Borough of Merton.
WIMBLEDON
30 JUNE TO 13 JULY 2025
