The Queen's Club, a historic West London tennis institution, has submitted plans to add two new squash courts, including one designed for doubles competitions. The proposal also includes 15 new pram stores and a Housing Office for Hammersmith and Fulham Council.
Current squash facilities and proposed upgrades
The club currently operates three singles squash courts but with "poor viewing facilities," according to planning documents. The two new courts would feature one for doubles and another for exhibition singles games. Both would be situated on the ground floor of a proposed extension, with tiered seating and a viewing gallery to enhance spectator experience.
The development requires demolition of several derelict buildings and redevelopment of part of Mary MacArthur House, a five-storey council housing block built in 1939.
Impact on existing club amenities
"The proposed squash courts displace the existing Fitness Studio on the first floor," the documents state. "The proposal will provide a new Fitness Studio above the squash courts on the second floor, where the existing Billiards Room is currently located. The billiards table will be relocated to the Games Room."
The club said the application will enable it "to offer and promote improved squash facilities to professional, members and guests." It added, "A collaboration project between the Queen's Club and LBHF, this proposal will enhance the Queen's Club, Mary MacArthur House and its surroundings."
Club's heritage and current offerings
Founded in the late 1880s, the Queen's Club describes itself as "the first multipurpose sports complex ever to be built, anywhere in the world." It offers tennis, padel, and squash, and hosts the annual ATP Tour 500 and WTA 500 tournaments. This year's singles champions were Francisco Cerundolo and Donna Vekić.
The proposed site sits in the club's southwest corner, near Field Road. A public consultation is open until August 12.
