The Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee met on Wednesday 11 February 2026 to discuss the manager's report, which included updates on various capital projects, grounds maintenance, financial performance, and community safety. The committee was scheduled to review the Trust's annual report and financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2025, and to consider a pilot workforce plan for 2026/27.

Manager's Report

The committee was scheduled to receive a comprehensive manager's report, which outlined a range of topics for noting and approval. This included the Trust's annual report and financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2025. The report also detailed the performance of the grounds maintenance contractor and planned works for February to April 2026. Updates were expected on the reinstatement of the KAA2 site and associated resident engagement activities.

The committee was also to be informed about the progress of several capital projects. These included the AEM Masterplan procurement, for which authority to progress the contract was to be delegated to the Chair. An update on the Linford Christie Sports Stadium was also scheduled, with a request to approve a £20,000 uplift to the athletics track improvement scheme. The completion of works to the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) behind the Old Oak Family Hub was to be noted, as were updates on the Braybrook play area improvement scheme.

Further items in the manager's report included a community safety update, and a comparison of the Trust's financial performance to the year-end. The committee was also to celebrate the Principal Award for Nature Conservation and Biodiversity Enhancement by the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI).

Financial Performance and Workforce Plan

The committee was scheduled to review the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust's (WSCT) financial performance for the year ending 31 March 2025. The report indicated a surplus for the year, significantly influenced by income from Kensington Aldridge Academy's occupation of the parade ground and deferred capital expenditure. The report also provided a comparison of the Trust's finances to the year-end, with detailed forecasts for income and expenditure for 2025/26.

A pilot workforce plan for 2026/27 was also scheduled for approval. This plan outlined proposed priority workstreams for the Trust, including grounds maintenance, ecological works compliance, byelaw monitoring, and ensuring general accessibility and safety. The proposed structure included a Head of Operations and Sustainability role, a Wormwood Scrubs Development Manager, grounds maintenance operatives, an on-site Ecology Advisor, and a new seasonal, part-time Site Engagement Officer. The financial implication of this pilot was a £40,000 increase for the duration of the programme.

Capital Projects and Site Updates

Several capital projects and site-specific updates were on the agenda. The committee was to note the reinstatement of the KAA2 site, which had been constructed to support Kensington Aldridge Academy following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The report detailed the removal of utility connections, termination of services, and removal of asphalt surfacing, with ongoing engagement with the Woodman's Mews Residents Association to address any disturbance caused.

Updates on the Braybrook Street Play Area improvement scheme were also scheduled, covering both Phase 1 (under 8s play area) and Phase 2 (over 8s play area). Phase 1 included the installation of new play equipment and safety surfacing, with completion expected before Christmas, subject to weather and ground conditions. Phase 2 involved the installation of a large-scale play equipment piece and additional safety surfacing, with procurement due to commence shortly.

The committee was also to receive an update on the Linford Christie Outdoor Sports Stadium, including the completion of the artificial pitch redevelopment in partnership with the Dragons football club. This included a new lease agreement and a service level agreement for weekly training sessions for local young people. The report also detailed remedial work required for the resurfacing of the running track, with a proposed uplift to the budget to be considered.

The completion of works to the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) behind the Old Oak Family Hub was also to be noted. This involved the removal of the old damaged surface, laying a new asphalt sub-base, and installing a new multi-use carpet, along with upgraded fencing and new LED floodlights.

Community Safety and Grounds Maintenance

A community safety report for June to September 2025 was scheduled for noting. This report detailed the work undertaken by the Law Enforcement Team (LET) in and around Wormwood Scrubs, including patrols, engagements, and enforcement of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), particularly concerning dog walking. The report highlighted the challenges of enforcing PSPOs across the large open space and noted that the Council was reviewing the PSPO and areas of prohibited access.

The performance of the grounds maintenance contractor, idverde, was also to be reviewed. The report noted satisfactory performance, with consistent engagement of volunteers for seasonal support works. Planned maintenance activities for February to April 2026 were outlined, including work on sports fields, amenity grass, hard surfaces, shrub beds, and woodland management. The report also mentioned ongoing issues with the green waste processing pile and the awaiting of a final invasive weed treatment plan.

Financial Matters

The committee was scheduled to review the WSCT Q1, Q2 Financial Performance and comparison to year end. The report indicated that the Trust was in a strong financial position, with significant expenditure on capital schemes. Councillor Dominic Stanton raised a query regarding a decrease in the total charity trust funds compared to the unaudited outturn of the previous year, which Osama El-Amin agreed to refer to the finance colleague for clarification. The Chair acknowledged that expenditure in the following year might be higher due to rolled-over commitments and project delays.

The report also touched upon the expenditure forecast of £150,000 for a contribution to the Linford Christie Café, with a note that if taken forward, it would be constructed with prudence to ensure no increase in the overall footprint of the site. The Chair emphasised that given the significant expenditure involved, the matter should be considered carefully.

Other Business

The committee was scheduled to note the date of the next meeting, which was to be moved from 2 December 2025 to January 2026, with a specific date to be identified.