AELTC engages SHH to restructure the debenture hospitality facilities at The Championships, Wimbledon, and revamp the Millennium Building

Feasibility studies for the development began in 2019. Paused during the pandemic, the project was re-activated in 2023. The project brief requires the creation of two indoor and two outdoor restaurants, each supported by their own independent kitchens, with a combined and increased seating capacity of 900 covers. There is an additional need to upgrade MEP systems to modern environmental performance requirements, including the de-gassing of kitchen equipment, and in order to meet 2030 ‘net zero’ targets.

The 2026 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition – with a focus on elevating the live experience through key pillars including Architecture & Design, Hospitality, Premium Experience and Technology – is being hosted at Everton’s spectacular new Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 1st and 2nd, with an Opening Night Icebreaker, likely hosted at Anfield, on September 30th.

The studies encompass extensive space planning investigations, and the requirements associated with a range of food service operation models, concluding that to meet the brief, additional floor space is essential, therefore necessitating altering the building’s line. KSS Design Group, with their experience as Lead Architect for the addition of the retractable roof over No.1 Court, have been brought in to lead the architecture element of the project, with SHH retaining responsibility for interior architecture and interior design.

Main contractor Knight Harwood, having recently completed the Media Pavilion at the All England Club, have been appointed to undertake construction of the project, with the first phase of work to be handed over for The Championships 2026, and the second phase for 2027.

Andrew Edser, Senior Project Manager at the All England Club, said:

“It is a pleasure to be working with SHH again on another prestigious project for our Centre Court and No.1 Court debenture holders. This complex project involves a full transformation of the No.1 Court debenture spaces, including structural modifications to increase the usable floor plate and new facades over both levels. SHH have been pivotal in meeting a challenging client brief and have once again struck the perfect balance of timeless design and understated quality.”

Millennium Building revamp

Officially opened in June 2000, the aptly named Millennium Building on the grounds of the AELTC, provides facilities for three key groups: the Club Members, the players and their teams, and the media.

Having designed a number of restaurants and bars at the All England Club since 2014, in 2017 SHH Architecture & Interiors were engaged to support the creation of a long-term strategy to redevelop the Millennium Building to ensure its viability to support future needs. Working alongside various stakeholders and architects Langstaff Day, the vision needed to align with the organisation’s 10-year master plan and sustainability commitments.

After contributing to extensive feasibility studies, focused on addressing both front and back of house requirements for a wide-range of user groups, in 2018 SHH were appointed to redesign what had been an officials’ and umpires’ restaurant, transforming it into a space providing additional table-service dining facilities for Club Members.

Re-named the Members’ Brasserie and successfully completed ahead of The Championships in 2019, the remit of SHH was subsequently expanded and encompassed the design of:

• A further two Members’ restaurants, with a combined seating capacity for 1,100 people;
• For the players and their teams, the design of four satellite food and drink offers, a buffet restaurant and smoothie bar, seating 120 indoors and designed in collaboration with lead architect KSS Design Group; and
• A lounge for players and a table-service restaurant accommodating 66 people.

With the appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine as main contractor, phased construction is being carefully coordinated around each year’s Championships. The first of the new player facilities were operational for The Championships 2025, and construction of the remaining spaces will be sequenced over 2026 through to the following year, achieving full project completion for The Championships in 2027, 10 years after the commencement of the design process. In this landmark year, the All England Club will be celebrating 150 years of The Championships.

Kim Beukman, Design Manager in Estate Development at the All England Club, said:

“SHH understands our desire to provide beautiful and functional spaces to key groups at The Championships, such as our Club Members and the world’s best players. Their designs capture the balance we want to achieve at Wimbledon between respecting our heritage and embracing innovation, ensuring all their projects are delivered with careful attention to detail that elevates the guest experience.”

Source & imagery, courtesy of SHH

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