West London’s Queen’s Club bids to open two new squash courts

The two proposed courts would involve one to be designed for doubles competitions and another for exhibition singles games.If approved it will require the demolition of a series of derelict buildings as well as the redevelopment of part of Mary MacArthur House, a five-storey housing block built by the council in 1939.Emma Raducanu playing at Queen’s Club last monthAFP/GettyThe Club itself dates back to the late 1880s, with its website describing it as “the first multipurpose sports complex ever to be built, anywhere in the world”.It offers members the opportunity to play sports such as padel and squash as well as tennis and hosts the annual ATP Tour 500 and WTA 500 tournaments. This year’s singles competitions were won by Francisco Cerundolo and Donna Vekić.In documents filed with Hammersmith and Fulham Council The Club wrote the proposed site sits in its southwest corner, by Field Road. The two courts would sit on the ground floor of the proposed extension with tiered seating and a viewing gallery to be installed.“The proposed squash courts displace the existing Fitness Studio on the first floor,” 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.”Read MoreThe Club stated the application will enable it “to offer and promote improved squash facilities to professional, members and guests”.“A collaboration project between the Queen’s Club and LBHF, this proposal will enhance the Queen’s Club, Mary MacArthur House and its surroundings.”A consultation period on the plans is live, to run until August 12.