Wimbledon centre court to get sliding roof

Plans to build a roof over Wimbledon Centre Court, bringing an end to “the frustrations” of ending play when it rains, were announced by the All England Club today.

Work on the roof is expected to be started on Wimbledon’s most famous court by the summer of 2006. The sliding roof on the Centre Court is expected to be completed by 2009.

Unveiling the plan for Centre Court, All England Club chairman Tim Phillips said: “This is an outdoor event and in this day and age when it rains it’s very frustrating for everybody not least the players, the audiences. We have been looking at the solution which will resolve the problem.

“Our continuing aim is for Wimbledon to be acknowledged as the world’s premier tennis event. The centre court has been the jewel in our crown for over 80 years and the scene of the most memorable drama and emotion in tennis. We are confident that our innovative plans for centre court will retain its atmosphere, history and tradition.”

The chairman refused to confirm the cost of the scheme saying: “We don’t talk about cost, this is a private club and we have confidential agreements with our partners. “

But he revealed that no Lottery or public money will go to fund the installation.

It is believed that the cost of the scheme will be about £20m (€28.5m).

The move follows in the footsteps of the Australian Open tournament in Melbourne, which has retractable roofs on both of its show courts.

It will also bring an end to the infamous rain disruptions at Wimbledon.

One memorable year had Sir Cliff Richard entertaining the crowds from the Royal Box.