Ambitious plans to build a landmark 1,250-seat concert hall in the heart of Wimbledon are pressing ahead, despite the recent death of its world-renowned lead architect, Frank Gehry.
Project Vision and Continued Momentum
The Wimbledon Concert Hall Trust (WCHT), in partnership with Merton Council, has confirmed that the long-awaited project remains active. In its first public statement for several years, the Trust told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that recent developments have provided "reason for optimism" about the venture's future.
The goal is to elevate Wimbledon from its global fame as the home of tennis to an "important international cultural destination." The proposed venue, first unveiled in early 2019, is designed to feature state-of-the-art acoustics by expert Yasuhisa Toyota, specifically tailored for classical music performances.
A Legacy to Uphold
Frank Gehry, the iconic Canadian-American architect behind the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, passed away in December 2025 at the age of 96. Councillor Andrew Judge, Merton Council's Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development, paid tribute to Gehry's involvement but emphasised the project's continuity.
"We were privileged to have collaborated with Frank Gehry's team," said Cllr Judge. "No architectural scheme depends on an individual living person, and buildings can be brought to fruition following their passing by working with their creative team. We have backed the vision of the Wimbledon Concert Hall Trust and remain committed to supporting them."
The WCHT echoed this sentiment, stating it had been an "enormous pleasure" to work with Gehry and would "endeavour to honour his extraordinary legacy" as work continues.
The Wimbledon Site and Broader Ambitions
The chosen location is the council-owned Hartfield Road car park, situated behind the Morrisons superstore in the town centre. Authorities believe this is the "perfect site" due to Wimbledon's excellent transport links, worldwide name recognition, and existing cultural offerings like the New Wimbledon Theatre and the Wimbledon International Festival.
Beyond classical concerts, the flexible design would allow the hall to host jazz and rock events when seating is removed. The plans also include a roof garden and community arts spaces. Funding is expected to come from private investors and philanthropists, with naming rights available to major benefactors.
Anthony Wilkinson, Chair of the WCHT, believes the project could help Merton flourish as a cultural centre, potentially creating a new cultural quarter for South West London. The plans are supported by local groups, including The Wimbledon Society, and align with Merton Council's 'Future Wimbledon' masterplan for town centre development.
