Wimbledon have revealed plans to increase the capacity of Henman Hill ahead of the tournament’s 150th anniversary.
The grassed bank is a hugely popular viewing point for the thousands of spectators that visit SW19 each year.
Positioned outside No.1 court, fans can watch the matches on a large television screen that’s built into the side of the arena.
It’s nicknamed Henman Hall after former British no.1 Tim Henman, who made four semi-final appearances at the All England Club.
Although the current official capacity isn’t known, Wimbledon have announced it will increase through a ‘programme of enhancements’.
“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,” they said.
“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.
“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.”
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.”
A number of other British players have had the hill named in their honour after Henman retired in 2007.
‘Murray Mound’ appeared for three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray, whilst ‘Robson Ridge’ is for junior champion Laura Robson.
‘Raducanu Ridge’ was also introduced after Emma Raducanu won the US Open in 2021.
This year’s tournament begins on June 30 and runs until July 13.
Novak Djokovic could win Wimbledon for the eighth time to go level with Roger Federer on most men’s singles title triumphs.
World no.1 Aryna Sabalenka will be one of the favourites to win the women’s singles crown, as well as Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.
For the first time in its 148-year-history, Wimbledon will use ‘Live Electronic Line Calling’ [Live ELC] instead of line judges.
All calls are made automatically in real time through Hawk-Eye and announced with pre-recordings.
