The All England Club's mission is for The Championships to remain the premier tennis touranament in the world and played on grass. To this end, our plans unveiled in 1993 set out to achieve this by substantially improving the quality of the Wimbledon experience for every participant. Since then, blending tradition with innovation, Wimbledon has been transformed. Already completed, the new No.1 Court, the very popular Aorangi Terrace and large TV screen, the Broadcast Centre, the Millennium Building and most recently the new Wimbledon Museum.
Now, the Centre Court, Wimbledon's 'jewel in the crown' and one of the most evocative sporting arenas is to be transformed. Scheduled for completion in time for the 2009 Championships, the improvements will allow visitors to enjoy the tennis in greater comfort, with better restaurant facilities and with certainty of play under a spectaular retractable roof.
Centre Court Seating
- New, wider and more comfortable seats.
- Seating capacity to be increased to 15,000 from 13,800
- Improved access via additional staircases and lifts
Retractable Roof
- Modern, lightweight and translucent retractable structure which will complement the original 1920's Centre Court building
- Provides first class and consistent playing environment in all weathers. Environmental control will provide spectator comfort and optimum conditions for play when the roof is closed.
- Fewer interruptions to play on Centre Court and completion of the main Championship events on time.
More Restaurants, Better Restaurants
- Enhanced and extended dining and lounge areas for Centre Court Debenture Holders, ready by 2008
- Upgraded and more extensive public restaurants
- 'Al Fresco' dining indoors and outdoors on canopied balconies.
- New Tea Lawn refreshment outlets including a Cafe which will be open throughout the year for visitors to the adjacent Museum
The Tea Lawn
- Completely re-designed, featuring a new Bandstand and Champagne Bar
- Enhanced light refreshment areas and a new 'Wimbledon Shop'
- Trees and planting to soften the environment
- Better spectator access to the Grounds.
TIMETABLE
July 2006-May 2007 (Stage Completed)
Demotion and re-building of the existing Centre Court east side. Reduction of Tea Lawn levels. Removal of existing roof.
July 2007-May 2008 (In Progress)
Completion of the new facilities within east and north aspects of the building. Installation of fixed element of new roof.
2008 Championships
The new fixed roof will be in place for this Championships, together with new improved restaurant and lounge facilities for Centre Court Debenture Holders.
July 2008- May 2008
Completion of new retractable and translucent roof. Installation of all new seats in Centre Court. Tea Lawn and perimeter catering improvements complete
2009 Championships
All new and improved Centre Court facilities in operation.