AFP- The French Tennis Federation (FFT) on Thursday unveiled plans for the extension of Roland Garros, home of the French Open.
   
The FFT has turned to architect Marc Mimram to expand the site, but has yet to hold discussions with the Paris planning authorities, from whom a building permit must be requested.
   
There has also been no contact with local residents, who are strongly opposed to the project.
   
"This is only a sketch," said newly-elected FFT head Jean Gachassin at the unveiling of the plans. "Tomorrow, with the Paris planning authorities, we will try to find better solutions.
   
"To begin with, we will hold discussions with the Paris town hall on the licensing," continued Gachassin, who said that he expects the project to be approved by December.
   
"In order to have a building permit, we must be authorised to build on this land. The first discussion will be on the cost of the permit and also on Roland Garros."
   
Gilbert Ysern, director of both the FFT and the Roland Garros tournament, said France's showcase tennis event "needs to evolve".
   
"In the last few years we have seen the three other Grand Slam tournaments (the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open) improve their facilities," he said. "We also have tournaments that provide high-quality facilities, such as Shanghai and Madrid.
   
"It's a fairly vital need. There is a pressing need to grow."
   
The project, expected to cost 116 million euros, will see the creation of a 14,600-seater arena around 500 metres from the current facilities.
   
The arena will be equipped with a folding roof that will enable play to continue during rain and allow matches to take place at night.
   
"It's an open stadium that we can cover, not a covered stadium that we can open," said Mimram.
   
This year's Wimbledon championship will be the first to take place since a retractable roof was installed on Centre Court.