The Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee meeting on 17 June 2026 saw discussions and decisions on a range of improvements and ongoing management of Wormwood Scrubs. Key outcomes included the delegation of authority for the HS2 AEM Masterplan contract award, approval of an indexation uplift for the grounds maintenance contract, and updates on significant projects such as the Linford Christie Stadium track refurbishment and Braybrook Street play area improvements. The committee also noted progress on establishing a new BMX club and received a comprehensive report on community safety and financial performance.

HS2 and AEM Masterplan

The committee discussed the progress of the Alternative Ecological Mitigation (AEM) Masterplan, funded by HS2. The evaluation of tenders for this plan concluded in January, with a preferred supplier identified. However, the bid received was above the available budget. Negotiations are underway with HS2 to secure the work within the original 2016 agreement, which stipulated that the council would bear no cost. HS2 has proposed reducing the scope of the 10-year management plan to meet budget constraints. The Trust and council are keen to maintain the current specification and explore re-scoping the latter five years of the plan. To expedite implementation, the committee was asked to delegate approval authority to the Chair to progress the scheme outside of the usual meeting schedule. Councillor Dominic Stanton raised concerns about the committee being informed of the preferred supplier before it becomes public knowledge, and Mark Raisbeck, Director of Public Realm, assured that the committee would be informed prior to any public announcement, pending confirmation of the tender price.

Grounds Maintenance Contract

The committee was asked to approve an indexation uplift for the grounds maintenance contract with Idverde for its final year. This uplift is calculated based on 70% of the London Living Wage and 30% of the Consumer Price Index, reflecting increases in staff salaries and general inflation. This aligns with previous indexation agreements for other contract lots. The annual contract value for the final year will be £335,800.20, which is within the allocated budget. The tender process for a new grounds maintenance contract is underway, with bids expected within the next month. Councillor Stanton inquired whether the new tender would include a pre-agreed indexation mechanism, which was confirmed by Mark Raisbeck. Councillor Stanton also expressed a desire for committee members to participate in the review of the new contract submissions, a request that officers agreed to explore further with procurement.

Linford Christie Athletics Stadium Track Refurbishment

Osama El-Amin, Manager of the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust, provided an update on the refurbishment of the eight-lane, 400-metre athletics track at the Linford Christie Stadium. Works began on 27 April 2026 and are progressing well. The base works have been completed, and the new track surface is currently being laid. The curing of the track is weather-dependent, with an expected completion date of 17 July, and a potential public opening on 31 July. The contract includes a 12-month defects and liabilities period.

Braybrook Street Play Area Improvements

Vicki Abel, Wormwood Scrubs Development Manager, reported on the completion of phase two of the Braybrook Street play area improvements, which involved installing a large, challenging piece of play equipment and safety surfacing. An initial inspection identified issues that required rectification by the contractors, and the play area is now open. The next phase will include installing fencing and gates, removing and infilling the trampoline area, and exploring options for shade. Faye Thomas suggested replacing the trampoline with a ping pong table or similar equipment for teenagers. Osama El-Amin confirmed that quotes for ping pong tables were being obtained and that he would survey local children and parents to gather further input on desired play equipment. He noted that a basketball hoop was not feasible due to existing equipment and surfacing requirements.

Wormwood Scrubs BMX Club

A new BMX club is set to be established at Wormwood Scrubs through a three-year partnership with Community Cycleworks CIC, funded by a £51,000 grant from the London Marathon Foundation. This initiative aims to engage young people and families in cycling. Weekly sessions will be run by an accredited cycling facilitator, Sylvie Vargas, who is already known in the area. The project will also inform future improvements to the BMX facility, such as resurfacing, improved lighting, and additional seating. Councillor Bora Kwon and Faye Thomas highlighted the importance of publicising the new club and improving signage to make the facility more accessible. Osama El-Amin confirmed that promotion to local schools was ongoing and that the new club would provide an opportunity to further engage with educational institutions. He also noted this as a pioneering step for the Trust in partnering with tenants. Stephen Waley-Cohen emphasised the importance of engaging with neighbouring boroughs and suggested reviving discussions for a long-term strategy for Wormwood Scrubs.

Community Safety

The community safety report detailed the activities of the Law Enforcement Team (LET), including high-visibility patrols, anti-social behaviour (ASB) patrols, and weapon sweeps. The Responsible Dog Ownership Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is under review, with consultation data being analysed. Ecologically sensitive sites are set to become dog control zones, with new signage to be installed. A site engagement officer is to be recruited to monitor compliance. Councillor Bora Kwon raised concerns about ASB from young people in the evenings, particularly around the action playground. Osama El-Amin acknowledged these concerns and confirmed ongoing liaison with the Metropolitan Police regarding these issues. Stephen Waley-Cohen also reported instances of moped misuse by underage riders. Discussions also touched upon the enforcement of the dog PSPO, with concerns raised about the number of dogs being walked by individuals and the use of e-bikes and scooters. The LET continues to be a significant presence at Wormwood Scrubs, with extensive patrols conducted.

Financial Performance

The financial outturn for 2025/26 showed a surplus of £386,177, attributed to favourable increases in parking income and higher bank interest. This surplus means that approximately £3.2 million in unrestricted income funds will be carried forward into the 2026/27 financial year, representing the Trust's highest cash reserves to date. For 2026/27, estimated income is £1.14 million, with an expenditure forecast of £1.97 million, requiring a drawdown of £830,000 from reserves. This drawdown accounts for various approved projects, including the construction of a café and improvements to BMX facilities. The Q1 expenditure for 2026/27 was £23,319 less than budgeted, primarily due to vacant posts for a Site Engagement Officer and a Head of Operations and Sustainability. Faye Thomas inquired about the timeline for the café and requested to see job descriptions for new roles. Osama El-Amin stated that the café's location, size, and type were still under discussion, and in the interim, a mobile coffee van operator would be licensed. He confirmed that job descriptions would be shared with the Friends of Wormwood Scrubs for circulation.