Wormwood Scrubs is set to undergo significant ecological and infrastructural improvements after the Hammersmith and Fulham council's Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee approved a masterplan for the area, bolstered by funding from HS2.
The Alternative Ecological Mitigation (AEM) Masterplan, which aims to implement substantial capital works and enhance the park's ecological features, received the green light at a meeting on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The project will see significant capital works undertaken with a revised funding agreement with HS2.
The AEM Masterplan will introduce several ecological benefits, including the establishment of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) above 800 square metres,
long grass meadows,
and scrapes and swales
as part of vegetation management. It also includes protection of the park run route,
bin and bench relocations,
bulb planting,
and signage
to improve the park's amenities and usability.
While the preferred supplier's bid for the masterplan exceeded the initial budget by £698,000, negotiations with HS2 have resulted in a new funding arrangement. The Trust will contribute 22% of the capital costs, amounting to £120,816, and 10% of the management and maintenance costs over 10 years, totalling £231,760. These funds will cover elements not included in the original 2016 scheme.
Under the revised funding arrangement, HS2 is responsible for increasing the funding cap to maintain ecological mitigation over the 10-year period, as stipulated in Clause 8.2 of the 2016 agreement. The Trust's capital contribution will be drawn from designated reserves, with maintenance costs covered by the annual non-routine grounds maintenance budget. A monitoring regime will be established with HS2 before capital works commence to address contingency requirements.
Capital works are anticipated to commence in late autumn 2026, with main works expected to begin in January 2027. Councillor Dominic Stanton raised concerns about potential project delays and the adequacy of contingency funds. However, officers assured the committee that a fixed-price contract for capital works would be in place, meaning the contractor is responsible for delivering the agreed-upon work for a set price, offering protection against additional costs for the Trust. Contingencies will be discussed with HS2 as they arise.
Further details of the meeting and the approved masterplan can be found in the Public reports pack and the Final minutes.