The Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee met on Wednesday 11 February 2026 to discuss the AEM Masterplan procurement, the Linford Christie Stadium running track upgrade, and the financial performance of the Trust. The committee approved a £20,000 uplift for the athletics track improvement scheme and noted updates on various projects including the KAA2 site reinstatement and grounds maintenance.

AEM Masterplan Procurement

The committee received an update on the AEM Masterplan contract procurement. The tender process had been re-published in August 2025, with four bids received and currently under evaluation. The successful tenderer was expected to be known by mid-October 2025, with contract signing anticipated in mid-December 2025. This would allow for works to commence in early February 2026, taking approximately six to nine months to complete. Councillor Dominic Stanton raised concerns about the delay from the original plan to start on-site work in early January 2026, which was now approximately four weeks behind schedule. Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen inquired about the flexibility of the programme in relation to wet weather, and Vicki Abel, Development Manager, confirmed that the programme would need to be flexible, noting that some seasonal works, such as tree planting, might be deferred to autumn 2026 if weather conditions were not conducive.

Linford Christie Outdoor Sports Stadium – Capital Programme

Osama El-Amin, Trust Manager, briefed the committee on the completion of the artificial pitch scheme and the remedial work required for the resurfacing of the running track. The four-year artificial pitch redevelopment, in partnership with the Dragons football club, was complete, with a 40-year lease in place. The club is contracted to deliver weekly training sessions for local young people and a summer soccer school. The Trust and Council will also be able to use the pitch for school competitions and events for disabled players. Local state schools will be given priority booking.

Regarding the running track, England Athletics advised the Trust to engage Labosport to conduct a site survey to ascertain the extent of remediation work needed for the damaged concrete sub-base. Upon receipt of a new quotation, officers would review the budget and, if necessary, consider an uplift before liaising with the Chair to progress the scheme. The committee agreed to delegate authorisation to the Chair for progression of the running track scheme if a decision was required between meetings. Works were expected to take place in Spring 2026 and be completed in 8-10 weeks. The club had expressed frustration at the delays.

MUGA Re-surfacing Behind the Old Oak Family Hub

Osama El-Amin reported on the progress of the MUGA re-surfacing. An initial budget of £40,000 had been approved, but significant damage to the sub-base required an additional £26,000 for excavation and re-laying the concrete sub-base before installing new surfacing. The Chair had approved this uplift under the committee's terms of reference for officer delegation. Works were postponed until after the summer holiday camp and were scheduled to commence in September and October. Additional CCTV and a code lock would be installed to secure the facility.

Braybrook Play Area Improvement Scheme - Phase 1 and Phase 2

Vicki Abel provided an update on the Braybrook Street Play Area improvement scheme. Phase 1, focusing on the under 8s play area, involved the installation of new play equipment, including a small train, climbing frames, a seesaw, and swings, along with safety surfacing. Installation and surfacing works were scheduled to commence on 20 October and be completed by 19 November, subject to weather conditions. A low-level wooden fence would be installed around the play area, and the footpath from Braybrook Street would be extended into the play areas. Phase 1 play equipment installation was expected to be completed before Christmas.

Phase 2 of the project would involve installing a large-scale, dynamic play equipment piece and safety surfacing in the northeast corner of the over 8s play area. Procurement was due to commence in September/October 2025, with a contract award expected by the end of November 2025. Work was likely to commence in early 2026.

Community Safety Report: June – September 2025

The committee noted the Community Safety Report provided by the Law Enforcement Team (LET). Councillor Stanton inquired about the effectiveness of fixed penalty notices (FPNs) issued for dog walking agencies. Osama El-Amin acknowledged the challenge of enforcing Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) related to dog walking across the 200-acre space with 11 entrances. He noted some improvement in behaviour from dog walkers following FPNs issued to two companies. The Council was reviewing the PSPO and prohibited access areas, including the newly designated local nature reserve, with consultation to follow. Osama El-Amin undertook to provide more detailed information from the LET officers on the impact of FPNs.

WSCT Q1, Q2 Financial Performance and Comparison to Year End

Osama El-Amin presented the financial performance of WSCT in Q1 and Q2 of the 2025/26 financial year. He stated that the Trust was in a strong financial position, with significant expenditure on capital schemes co-produced with residents. He noted that 2025/26 was an outlier in terms of expected expenditure. Councillor Stanton observed a decrease in the Total Charity Trust funds compared to the unaudited outturn of 2024/25, which Osama El-Amin agreed to clarify with the finance colleague. Regarding the budget timeline, the Chair acknowledged that expenditure was influenced by rolled-over commitments and project delays, and that the budget would need to be tighter. Osama El-Amin noted the expenditure forecast of £150,000 for the Linford Christie Café, emphasizing that if taken forward, it would be constructed with prudence to avoid increasing the overall footprint. Councillor Stanton expressed concern about the substantial expenditure already incurred on the Linford Christie Stadium area redevelopment, and the Chair agreed that the café matter should be considered carefully before any financial commitment.

Green Infrastructure Funding Applications and Continuation of Outdoor Learning on the Scrubs

Osama El-Amin updated the committee on green infrastructure funding applications. WSCT, in partnership with Imperial Health Charity, was applying to the GLA 'Green Roots Fund' for a £150,000, two-year project to create a community growing/allotment space for hospital patients. WSCT had also applied to the LBHF Green Investment Fund for £50,000 to support a feasibility study and concept design for an ecology centre and green waste processing facility. Councillor Bora Kwon suggested exploring the Project Flourish funding stream, and agreed to follow up with those involved in its consultation. Sir Waley-Cohen noted the positive reception of these projects by the Friends of Wormwood Scrubs and their desire to be involved in discussions.

The outdoor learning programme would continue under the same framework, with two weekly sessions for pupils at Old Oak Primary School and children and parents from the Old Oak Family Hub. The Trust continued to seek longer-term funding for children to understand seasonal changes and use the green space as a learning resource.

UKPN 7-Year Lease Extension

Osama El-Amin outlined the proposed 7-year extension to the UK Power Networks (UKPN) lease for land at the north-east corner of Wormwood Scrubs. The substation site, approximately 1,350 square meters, was leased at £3,446 per annum, expiring in March 2026. UKPN agreed to a 44% uplift to £5,000 per annum for the new 7-year lease, ending March 2033. UKPN also agreed to continue current terms regarding rates, taxes, non-assignment, indemnification, and maintaining the ecological management plan. They would also reimburse the Trust up to £2,500 plus VAT for professional fees related to the extension. The committee agreed to approve the lease extension and its terms.

KAA2 Site Decommission Programme

Osama El-Amin provided an update on the decommissioning programme for the KAA2 site by the Department for Education (DfE). The programme was on track, with three of the six classroom blocks removed, improving sightlines and enhancing site accessibility. The remaining three blocks were scheduled for removal in September and October, after which the site would be handed over for full remediation with a semi-permeable limestone aggregate. Efforts were being made to conduct operations between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday, to minimise noise complaints. Regarding future use, the OPDC advised that permitted development rights did not apply, and the Trust should consider a long-term plan. Local stakeholders would be engaged to co-produce feasible options.

Grounds Maintenance Contractor Oversight and Planned Works for Q3 2025/26

Osama El-Amin reported on the performance of the grounds maintenance contract, noting satisfactory performance and increasing volunteer engagement. The idverde/RSPB/WSCT partnership recorded 1,495 volunteering hours from 358 volunteers on various projects. Upcoming grounds maintenance activities in autumn were primarily ecological works, focusing on high-priority sections and wildlife hedges. Scrub management would continue with a contractual arrangement to reduce bramble and scrub at an annual rate of 20% for five years, creating habitats with scalloped edges. Councillor Stanton observed an improvement in idverde's work quality since a change in contract manager. Sir Waley-Cohen inquired about the contract's future, and Osama El-Amin advised that officers were reviewing areas and specifying works outside the master plan for either re-tendering or extending idverde's contract.

Old Oak Common Lane Diversion via UTX Site

Osama El-Amin updated members on the planned diversion of Old Oak Common Lane via the HS2 UTX site and mitigation measures. Utilities beneath the carriageway would be diverted, and HS2 proposed a traffic diversion via the UTX site for up to 3 years. Officers had approved the diversion with measures including an additional drainage channel, pre- and post-diversion soil contamination surveys, and clearing vegetation for hoarding replacement. HS2 had informed the Trust of a potential longer closure of Old Oak Common Lane, with further information to be shared. The Chair reminded the committee that these works were permitted within the UTX site, which was under compulsory purchase by HS2.

Appointment of Auditors

Nicholas Falcone, Advisor to the Trust, noted that the Trust was required to appoint an external auditor for its 2025/26 accounts. MHA, the auditor since 2019/20, had provisionally agreed to continue with a fee of £12,000 (+VAT) plus disbursements, a modest increase from the previous year. The committee unanimously agreed to approve MHA's appointment for 2025/26.

WSCT Financial Performance: Year-End Forecast and 2025/26 Budget

Osama El-Amin presented the proposed 2026/27 income budget of £1,133,339, a reduction from the 2025/26 budget and forecast, primarily due to the loss of KAA income. Pay and Display and Parking Meters income was projected to increase to £500,000, and the Hammersmith Car Park Licence to £498,039. Proposed expenditure was £1,994,200, reflecting increased capital works and exceeding income by £860,861. Stephen Waley-Cohen raised concerns about projects not being presented to the committee for discussion, and Osama El-Amin clarified that the Chair was authorised to make decisions with financial implications between £20,000 and £100,000, while decisions exceeding £100,000 required committee approval. He confirmed that these projects would undergo detailed consultation. Faye Thomas expressed interest in the Community Farm proposals, which originated from community groups seeking allotment space. A funding bid had been submitted to the GLA in partnership with Imperial Health Charity to support the capital costs of creating a new allotment area on a disused play area. Councillor Bora Kwon highlighted the proposal as a positive step for community food growing in the borough. The committee unanimously agreed to the recommendation.

AEM Masterplan Procurement Update

Osama El-Amin reported that the AEM tender closed in January, with three bids received and a preferred contractor selected. Governance was progressing, with the Cabinet considering the report on 1 April before seeking approval from the Cabinet Member for Public Realm. A contract award notice and an eight-week standstill period would follow. Recoverable costs, including an additional £698,000 for the 10-year management plan, would be submitted to HS2 90 days before works begin. HS2 had acknowledged the Council and Trust's intention to appoint the most competitive bidder. During mobilisation, officers would set up monitoring arrangements and notify Scrubs users and tenants of the monthly works schedule. Subject to final approvals, capital works were expected to start on site in autumn 2026. Stephen Waley-Cohen raised concerns about the removal of Christmas trees and large dead trees, noting safety hazards and rat attraction. He also observed that woodland management activities appeared to be on hold in the northern area. Osama El-Amin reported that many trees had been chipped, with a delay due to a broken chipping equipment sensor. He confirmed the programme should be back on track within weeks and that tree stumps would be strategically placed to provide habitat.

Community Safety

Osama El-Amin presented the report detailing recent activities by the Law Enforcement Team (LET). The team conducted four weapon sweeps with no weapons recovered and 141 Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) sweeps. The issuing of dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) violations, including Fixed Penalty Notices, varied depending on influencing factors. The team also carried out 239 high-visibility patrols. The report provided information on how residents could contact the LET. The committee noted the update.