Plans for the new international concert hall in Wimbledon are proceeding as scheduled, even following the passing of its notable lead architect.
Frank Gehry, famous for his bold, avant-garde designs, passed away last month at the age of 96.
Both the Wimbledon Concert Hall Trust and Merton Council have confirmed their commitment to realizing Gehry’s vision for the project, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
Andrew Judge, the council’s cabinet member for housing and development, expressed that it was a “privilege” to have worked alongside the architect, and emphasized that the plans will progress with the assistance of Gehry’s creative team.
The innovative designs for the concert hall were first introduced in 2019.
Merton Council established an exclusivity agreement with the Wimbledon Concert Hall Trust to develop the venue at the council-owned Hartfield Road car park.
This proposed facility, designed to accommodate 1,500 attendees, will feature not only classical performances but also jazz and rock events, along with a rooftop garden and areas dedicated to community arts programs.
Funding for the venue will come from private investors, with naming rights offered to major sponsors.
Wimbledon was selected for its excellent transport links, its international visibility from the tennis championships, and its vibrant cultural scene.
Anthony Wilkinson, who leads the project and is the founder of the Wimbledon International Festival, indicated that the concert hall could transform Wimbledon into a cultural hub for southwest London and beyond.
The local conservation group, The Wimbledon Society, is optimistic that the venue will enhance the borough’s cultural reputation and attract more visitors to the town center.
Gehry’s iconic titanium-clad design for the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, brought him widespread acclaim in 1997.
He once remarked to Wimbledon Time and Leisure Magazine that he envisioned the Wimbledon concert hall as “a knockout.”
“Concert hall projects excite me the most. I enjoy the people involved and the challenges they present.
“My passion for music is immense. When someone proposes a concert hall project, my interest sparks instantly. I’m all in!”
