The Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee met on Wednesday 23 September 2026 to discuss a range of important updates and decisions concerning the Scrubs. Key among these was the approval of the AEM Masterplan, which will see significant capital works undertaken with a revised funding agreement with HS2. The committee also celebrated the completion of the Linford Christie Outdoor Athletics and Sports Stadium capital programme and noted progress on improvements to the Braybrook Play Areas.

AEM Masterplan Update and Funding Agreement

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Alternative Ecological Mitigation (AEM) Masterplan for Wormwood Scrubs. The tendering process for the masterplan had identified a preferred supplier, but their bid exceeded the initial budget by £698,000. Following negotiations with HS2, an agreement has been reached whereby the Trust will contribute 22% of the capital costs (£120,816) and 10% of the management and maintenance costs over 10 years (£231,760). These costs will cover items not included in the original 2016 indicative scheme, such as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) above 800 square metres, protection of the park run route, bin and bench relocations, bulb planting, and signage. The capital contribution will be funded from designated reserves, and the maintenance costs will be drawn from the annual non-routine grounds maintenance budget. A monitoring regime will be established with HS2 before capital works commence, which are anticipated to start towards the end of the year, with main works likely beginning in January 2027. The management and maintenance plan includes annual inflation adjustments linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Councillor Dominic Stanton raised concerns about potential project delays and the sufficiency of contingency funds, but officers assured the committee that a fixed-price contract for capital works would be in place and that contingencies would be discussed with HS2 as they arise.

Completion of Linford Christie Stadium Capital Programme

The committee celebrated the completion of the third and final phase of the capital programme at the Linford Christie Outdoor Athletics and Sports Stadium. This final phase involved the re-surfacing of the 400m athletics track, which has now achieved 'track mark' accreditation from England Athletics. The total cost of the three-phase programme, which included changing room refurbishment and artificial pitch redevelopment, was £2,031,668. The Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust (WSCT) contributed £539,000, with Hammersmith and Fulham Council providing £1,492,662 through various funding streams, including the King's Coronation Youth Fund and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The Thames Valley Harriers are hosting a celebration event on 27 September, and officers are working with local sports groups to develop a programme for young people.

UK Power Networks Works and Temporary Footpath

UK Power Networks will be undertaking upgrades on Old Oak Common Lane in conjunction with HS2's utility diversions. This section of the road will be closed from January to November 2027. To maintain pedestrian access to Wormwood Scrubs, UK Power Networks has been granted permission to construct a temporary 80-metre-long, 2-metre-wide footpath. This path will include heras fencing and solar-powered street lighting. A reinstatement plan has been agreed, which involves excavating and removing the sub-base, laying topsoil, sowing a wildflower seed mix, and removing the fencing and lighting by December 2027. An ecological survey will be conducted before any vegetation works commence, and an officer will monitor the works to ensure they align with the ecological report's recommendations. Faye Thomas inquired about the timing of bramble clearance, which is expected in mid-October, and the assurance of land reinstatement, which was confirmed with a detailed plan including wildflower seeding.

Retention of Green Flag Status and Grounds Maintenance

Wormwood Scrubs has retained its Green Flag Award status for the third consecutive year, signifying a high standard of management and maintenance. In preparation for the Masterplan capital works, Idverde will be undertaking vegetation reduction works, including cutting back encroaching brambles to establish long grass meadows and create scrapes and swales. The full-size football pitches will be moved three metres south to accommodate these meadows. Piles of logs outside the Linford Christie Stadium are to be relocated and either chipped for woodland paths or used for hibernacula. Selected tree works will also be carried out along the C27 cycle path to improve CCTV sightlines and reduce overhanging branches. Six trees that died over the summer will be removed and replanted as part of the Masterplan. Councillor Bora Kwon highlighted the importance of communicating the criteria for the Green Flag award, noting that the public may not fully understand its significance beyond biodiversity.

Braybrook Play Area Improvements

Work on the first two phases of improvements to the Braybrook Play Areas has been completed at a cost of £195,293. Minor remedial works are ongoing. Phase three of the improvements, with an allocated budget of £100,000, will include the installation of two shade units and three new benches for the under-eights area, along with the replacement of the timber climbing frame. For the over-eights area, phase three will involve one shaded area, two new benches, and the relocation of two bins and one bench within the fenced area. Low-level timber fencing and gates will also be installed to match the under-eights play area. A three-way basketball hoop will be installed in the over-eights area, and options for a water fountain are being considered. The committee approved this indicative plan for phase three improvements.

Community Safety Update

The Community Safety report detailed the work of the Law Enforcement Team (LET), including weapon sweeps, anti-social behaviour (ASB) patrols, and high-visibility patrols. A fine was issued to an individual for urinating by the trees, reinforcing the importance of using the provided toilet facilities. The Responsible Dog Ownership Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been renewed, with the existing map of restrictions remaining in place following consultation. Faye Thomas sought clarification on whether the maps had changed, and it was confirmed that the proposals did not go through and the previous arrangements would be maintained. The committee also discussed recent fires on the Scrubs over the summer, and officers committed to providing further details and reporting on the work undertaken by the team to communicate about these incidents.

Financial Performance

The Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust's financial performance for 2026/27 was reviewed. The forecast shows a net expenditure of £861,884, a slight increase of £1,023 compared to the budget. This is attributed to an income overachievement of £17,598, primarily from a one-off receipt from Hammersmith Hospital for car park rental, offset by increased costs of £18,621. Unrestricted income funds are projected to decrease to £2,333,644 by the end of the financial year. Councillor Dominic Stanton expressed concern about the significant capital expenditure planned for 2026/27 and sought reassurance about long-term financial planning. Officers confirmed that a forward plan is in place and that income diversification is being actively explored, including current film crew usage of the parade ground. The committee noted the financial update.