The Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee met on Tuesday 24 March 2026, approving the annual report and financial statements for 2024/25 and a pilot workforce plan for 2026/27. The committee also noted updates on grounds maintenance, the Linford Christie Stadium running track upgrade, and the Braybrook Street play area improvements.

Manager's Report and Financials

The committee approved the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust (WSCT) Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. These documents showed a surplus for the year of £713,601, largely due to additional income from the Kensington Aldridge Academy's occupation of the parade ground and deferred capital expenditure. The committee also approved a pilot workforce plan for 2026/27, which includes the creation of a new Head of Operations and Sustainability role to expand upon the Trust Manager's responsibilities. This revised structure aims to meet the increasing demands of capital and community investment programmes on the Scrubs. The proposed budget for 2026/27 anticipates a net income of £860,861, with significant planned investments in various improvement projects.

AEM Masterplan Procurement

The committee noted the progress on the AEM Masterplan procurement. The tender process had concluded, with a preferred supplier identified. The contract award was subject to internal governance processes, including consideration by the Contracts Assurance Board and approval by the Cabinet member for public realm. The Trust Manager had written to HS2 to seek recovery of all project costs, including the £698,000 addition required for the 10-year management and maintenance plan. HS2 had acknowledged receipt of the letter, and a response was awaited. Legal advice confirmed that proceeding with internal governance would not jeopardise cost recovery from HS2, provided value for money was demonstrated. Capital works were anticipated to begin in autumn 2026.

Linford Christie Stadium Running Track Upgrade

A £20,000 uplift was approved for the Linford Christie Stadium running track improvement scheme. This decision followed a refinement of phase three of the stadium programme, which had initially come in £230,000 over budget. The revised scheme prioritises the 400m track, floodlighting, and base repairs, reducing the shortfall to £128,000. This would be funded through contributions from the council's S106/CIL funds, the Sports and Leisure department, and the WSCT. A letter of intent had been issued to the preferred bidder, and officers were working to confirm dates while ensuring continued access for priority users, including local state schools.

Grounds Maintenance and Planned Activities

The committee noted the performance of the grounds maintenance contractor and planned activities for February to April 2026. Approximately 8,000m² of scrub and bramble had been managed with volunteer support, with remaining areas to be completed after the bird-nesting season. Officers were monitoring green-waste piles and awaiting the contractor's final invasive-weed treatment plan. Tree-work updates would be shared in advance, and weekly volunteering would continue with extra protection for ground-nesting birds. Users were reminded to keep dogs on leads in the Western Meadow until September 2026.

Community Safety Report

The committee received an update on the activities of the Law Enforcement Team (LET). The report highlighted that the team had conducted 22 weapon sweeps and 73 Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) patrols in response to resident concerns, particularly regarding dogs and general public space awareness. The report also detailed how residents could contact the LET. Stephen Waley-Cohen, a co-opted member, inquired about the operational status of bollards near Woodman's Mews, which were confirmed to be active but kept lowered during the day to minimise noise. Waley-Cohen commended the team's work, especially their handling of fly-tipping incidents, and raised a specific instance on a UK Power Networks (UKPN) site that required clearance. Osama El-Amin, the Trust Manager, confirmed that all relevant information had been passed to UKPN, as it was their responsibility to arrange removal. Faye Thomas, another co-opted member, reported an abandoned motorbike on the west side of the Scrubs, which Claire Willis, an advisor to the Trust, confirmed had been reported to the Police and Idverde, with teams working together for its removal. Mark Raisbeck, an advisor to the Trust, stated he would escalate the matter with Parking colleagues.

Other Noted Updates

The committee noted the completion of works to the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), which included replacing the surface, upgrading fencing, and installing LED floodlights at a cost of £64,000. They also noted updates on the Braybrook Street play area improvements, with Phase 1 completed and Phase 2, including a new play structure and safety surfacing, scheduled to begin in early April. The BALI Principal Award for Nature Conservation and Biodiversity Enhancement, won by the WSCT and Idverde for their eco-volunteering programme, was celebrated. Finally, the committee noted a comparison of the Trust's financial performance to the year-end.

Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 17 June 2026.