The Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee met on Wednesday 11 February 2026 to discuss a range of operational and financial matters concerning Wormwood Scrubs. Key decisions included approving a lease extension for UK Power Networks and delegating authority to the Chair to progress the AEM Masterplan contract procurement.

AEM Masterplan Procurement

The committee was updated on the procurement process for the AEM Masterplan contract. The tender was published on 7th August 2025, with four bids received. While submitted costs were above the identified budget, they were within a similar market range. In accordance with the 2016 Alternative Ecological Mitigation Agreement between HS2 and Hammersmith and Fulham Council, if contractor costs exceed £3,885,657, HS2 is to increase the cap. Officers have shared costs with HS2 under a non-disclosure agreement. The current Masterplan implementation programme identifies February 2026 as the contract start date. As negotiations with HS2 were ongoing and likely to conclude between committee meetings, the committee was asked to delegate authority to the Chair to authorise the most appropriate solution. A further update is scheduled for March 2026.

UKPN 7-Year Lease Extension

Osama El-Amin, Trust Manager, outlined a proposed 7-year extension to the lease for UK Power Networks (UKPN) to occupy land at the north-east corner of Wormwood Scrubs. The substation site, approximately 1,350 square meters, was leased at £3,446 per annum and was due to expire in March 2026. UKPN agreed to a 44% uplift in the lease value to £5,000 per annum, with the extension running until March 2033. UKPN also agreed to continue with the existing terms, including covering all rates and taxes, not assigning or underletting the property, indemnifying the Trust against claims arising from wrongful or negligent acts, and maintaining the agreed ecological management plan. Additionally, UKPN will reimburse the Trust up to £2,500 plus VAT for professional fees incurred in relation to this extension. The committee agreed to approve the lease extension and its terms.

Linford Christie Outdoor Sports Stadium – Running Track Upgrade

The committee received an update on the Linford Christie Outdoor Sports Stadium capital programme, specifically concerning the running track. Following a site survey by Labosport to assess remediation needs for the damaged concrete sub-base, a new quotation was awaited. Officers would then review the budget and, if necessary, consider an uplift before liaising with the Chair to progress the scheme. A framework contractor would be engaged once the scope was finalised, with their work programme communicated to users. Works were expected to take place in Spring 2026, lasting 8-10 weeks. The club had expressed frustration at the delays. The committee agreed to delegate authorisation to the Chair for the progression of the running track scheme. A £20,000 uplift to the athletics track improvement scheme for the current financial year was also approved.

Grounds Maintenance Contractor Oversight and Planned Works

Osama El-Amin provided an update on the performance of the grounds maintenance contract and upcoming activities for Q3 2025/26. The contractor, idverde, was performing satisfactorily, with increasing numbers of volunteers engaged in seasonal support works. Over June and July, the partnership recorded 1,495 volunteering hours from 358 volunteers. Upcoming grounds maintenance activities in autumn were primarily ecological works. Regarding scrub management, there is a contractual arrangement for idverde to reduce bramble and scrub at an annual rate of 20% for five years. Councillor Dominic Stanton observed an improvement in idverde's work quality since a change in contract manager. The contract's expiry was noted, and options for re-tendering or extending the contract were being reviewed.

Braybrook Play Area Improvement Scheme

Vicki Abel updated the committee on the Braybrook Street Play Area improvement scheme. Phase 1, focusing on the under 8s play area, involved installing new play equipment and safety surfacing, with completion expected before Christmas, subject to weather conditions. Phase 2 will see the installation of a large-scale play equipment piece in the over 8s area, with procurement due to commence in September/October 2025 and work likely starting in early 2026.

Community Safety Report

The committee noted the Community Safety Report from 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 Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) across the 200-acre space and confirmed that FPNs had had some effect. The Council is reviewing the PSPO and areas of prohibited access, with further consultation planned. Osama El-Amin undertook to provide more detailed information on the impact of FPNs on dog walkers' behaviour.

WSCT Financial Performance

Osama El-Amin presented the financial performance of the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust (WSCT) for Q1 and Q2 2025/26. The Trust was reported to be in a strong financial position, with significant expenditure on capital schemes co-produced with residents. Councillor Stanton noted a decrease in the total charity trust funds compared to the unaudited outturn for 2024/25, which Osama El-Amin agreed to clarify with the finance team. The Chair acknowledged that expenditure in the following year might be similar to the combined total of the previous five or six years, attributing this to rolled-over commitments and project delays. The formal budget-setting process was due to commence, with ongoing conversations to ensure the Trust's sustainability. A forecast expenditure of £150,000 for the Linford Christie Café was noted, with a commitment to ensure no increase in the overall footprint of the site. The Chair stressed that any financial commitment for the café should be considered carefully due to the significant expenditure involved.

Other Matters

The committee noted the completion of works to the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) behind the Old Oak Family Hub, which included re-surfacing, new fencing, and LED floodlights at a cost of £64,000. The committee also noted the BALI Principal Award for Nature Conservation and Biodiversity Enhancement, received by the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust and idverde in December 2025, recognising the Trust's community eco-volunteering efforts.

The date of the next meeting was scheduled for 17 March 2026.