The West London Racing Centre (WLRC) in Hillingdon is at risk of closure because of stalled lease renewal negotiations with the council, threatening the future of its STEM workshops and youth engagement programs.
The centre, built by volunteers 30 years ago on formerly derelict hardstanding, has operated without public subsidy since its inception in the 1990s. It provides space for radio car racing, STEM workshops with local schools, after-school clubs, and a holiday activities and food program commissioned and funded by Hillingdon Council.
According to WLRC, "Without a clear route to a long-term solution, there is a genuine risk that a long-standing, community-built facility - already delivering measurable local impact - could be lost."
Lease Negotiations Stall Since 2021
Since 2011, WLRC has held a lease with Hillingdon Council, but it expired in 2021. Renewal negotiations began shortly after, but no resolution has been reached despite the council's own acknowledgment that it wishes to grant a long-term lease. In 2023, the council confirmed in writing that WLRC occupied the site under a Tenancy at Will, but the council placed the account on "stop" without resolving the agreement.
The centre claims the council has attempted to downgrade its occupation retroactively to a temporary/backdated licence, undermining its 30-year history and exclusive possession.
Andy Hyde, Chief Executive of RC Vision CIC, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that negotiations have "disappeared into a vacuum" due to staff turnover, forcing the club to constantly start over. He said, "We constantly have to start all over again due to turnover of staff at the council."
Impact on Youth and Facilities
Hyde explained that the club is unable to invest in the site because it does not know if it will be granted a lease. He said, "We've got the club here, the club's interest is in providing racing as a sport. That sporting interest is inhibited by our inability to spend money on facilities. The track needs repair and resurfacing, if we can't do that, do we look elsewhere?"
He added, "For the young people this is something that they can call their own where they can indulge their interests and passions and find their future and identity. The council not acting is hammering home they are not valued and don't belong."
Council officers have informed WLRC that a new lease cannot be granted because the site is designated as "public open space." However, WLRC held formal 5-year leases with the council in both 2011 and 2017, and the council's own signage states the space is "managed by West London Racing Centre." Hyde questioned the legality of previous leases.
Vandalism and Security Concerns
The site suffers ongoing, deliberate vandalism because it is unfenced. The centre has historically paid out of pocket to repair damage caused by joyriders bringing e-scooters onto the site. Although previous leases required WLRC to maintain fences, the council now refuses to allow protective fencing, citing public access, despite WLRC offering to self-fund security.
Hyde reported that the track was recently smashed up by kids, burned scooters have been left on site, and children have climbed onto outbuildings, requiring fire brigade callouts.
Hillingdon Council maintains that as the site is public open space, fencing that restricts public access cannot be supported in the current circumstances.
New Terms Offer
In recent weeks, the council proposed new terms, including limiting track use to Sundays, four Saturdays, and two Mondays a year. Hyde said, "That's incompatible with the STEM and HAF holiday-club sessions the Council itself commissions us to run on weekdays, and effectively rules out youth work continuing."
The council also refuses to approve fencing or perimeter security, and demands that WLRC indemnify the council for any damage or injury at the site. Hyde said, "We'd be asked to indemnify the council for damage or injury at the site, while the council itself refuses to let us install the fencing or security that would prevent that damage happening in the first place. In effect, we'd be carrying the cost and liability for a risk that's entirely of the Council's own making, and during times we aren't permitted to operate to mitigate the risks in person."
Council Response
Hillingdon Council said, "We recognise the valuable contribution WLRC makes to Hillingdon and remain committed to reaching an agreement that allows the club to continue its important work in the community. The council has worked constructively throughout this process and explored every available option to support the club while discussions continue. We have issued a draft tenancy at will to the club's legal representatives and are now awaiting their response so that occupation of the site can be formally regularised."
The council added, "This expanded offer reflects how WLRC has grown from a model racing club into an organisation delivering youth engagement, SEND support, STEM education and wider community activities, and also includes the provision of free parking. We do not accept the trustees' interpretation of previous lease arrangements. The historic agreement was always for limited occupation and use of the hardstanding on specified days. As the site is public open space, fencing that restricts public access cannot be supported in the current circumstances."
Hyde believes there is a "lack of political will" to resolve the issue, saying, "This is a question of political will. It's very easy to sort out with political will. You don't need a 12 to 18 month policy review process to do stuff which is long established normal activities with councils. It doesn't need a long convoluted process, it doesn't need a consultation, it doesn't need a policy framework to be developed and debated because these things are long established practices - the case is a slam dunk."
The future of the West London Racing Centre remains uncertain as negotiations continue, with the club unable to invest in repairs and the council awaiting a response to its draft tenancy at will.
