Wimbledon raising the roof to combat the weather

It is bad news for Sir Cliff Richard... but allows the rest of us to heave a sigh of relief.

The picture shows the old Centre Court stands at Wimbledon being pulled apart as work continues on modernisation that includes the addition of a retractable roof - bringing an end to the era when rain would halt play.

It will also mean an end to the age when a sudden downpour would give Sir Cliff an opportunity to entertain a restive crowd with a medley of his old hits while they waited for the weather to lift.

The £40 million project also includes the addition of 1,200 seats, bringing the capacity up to 15,000, and the installation of wider seating, new media facilities and commentary boxes.

The retractable roof, made of waterproof translucent material, will be able to close in just 10 minutes, allowing play to continue under all conditions. It will be completed by 2009.

A spokesman for the All England Club said: "The roof is the final bit. There will be no roof next year. The permanent fixed roof will be in for 2008. The sliding bit goes in for 2009."

The design is by HOK Sport, the architects responsible for Arsenal's Emirates Stadium and the new Ascot stand.