New retractable roof to be built over Wimbledon's Court No. 1

The Merton Council planning committee has reportedly approved two massive renovations at the All England Club, which includes the redevelopment of number one Court to build a fixed and retractable roof.

Besides No. 1 Court's redevelopment to build a fixed and retractable roof, the redevelopment of Raynes Park Playing Fields to become the interim home of the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative (WJTI) is also set to go ahead after both projects were submitted to the council for approval.

Richard Lewis, chief executive of the All England Lawn and Tennis Club, said that he is delighted, as they are two very important applications, Sport24 reported.

Lewis said that they were optimistic but they worked hard, adding that they have had great support along the way. He claimed that they are proud of their position at the pinnacle of world tennis and this would cement that position for years to come.

Lewis branded it as a defining moment in the history of The Championships, adding that they are thrilled.

However, there is still a long wait ahead before the No. 1 Court gets its roof, with the project only set to be completed in time for Wimbledon in 2019, the report added.