A designated 'Cool Space' in London, intended to provide shelter from extreme heat, was ironically forced to close after the building itself overheated during record temperatures.
Closure of Whittington Park Community Centre
Islington Council said on Friday (June 28) that Archway’s Whittington Park Community Centre had temporarily shut. The closure stemmed from concerns over staff welfare, as the facility became unsafe, the council said. While the council owns the building, a local charity manages its operations.
Islington Council said its remaining cool spaces were still open and encouraged residents to find nearby alternatives.
Council Response and Alternative Spaces
Cllr Rowena Champion, Executive Member for Climate, Environment, and Transport, said: “We know that the heat poses real challenges for the local community. That’s why we’re so grateful that despite one Cool Space having to close, 17 other cool spaces spread across the borough, and four further spaces in neighbouring City of London and Hackney, have been offering residents somewhere to cool down, drink some water, and rest.”
“We’ve been glad to learn during the recent intense heatwave that many residents have been using and benefitting from this network of public and community-run Cool Spaces.”
Features of Cool Spaces
Though not all of Islington’s Cool Spaces are air-conditioned, most offer places to sit and rest, free drinking water, and toilets. A map on the council’s website encourages residents to find respite from the heat, including libraries, community centres and faith venues, outdoor shaded areas and parks and even public water fountains.
Record Heat and Risks
On Friday, the UK saw its record for the hottest June day broken for a third day in a row, with temperatures topping 36C in Suffolk. The heatwave has caused travel disruption, early school closures and seen expert warnings to Londoners, especially those with children and pets, to be careful around hot surfaces reaching up to 57C – including pavements and playground matting.
According to a 2024 report by the consultants Arup, inner London boroughs are particularly susceptible to hazards arising from extreme heat. Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Camden are the most at risk for residential properties because of the higher density of flats, which are generally more vulnerable to heat than houses. Islington and Tower Hamlets notably have the smallest amount of green space per person in the UK.
City-Wide Preparations
Camden Council has also set up an interactive map showing residents where to find air-conditioned spaces and free water to stay cool. Meanwhile, on Thursday, June 27, City Hall officials unveiled London’s first-ever Heat Ready Plan to prepare the capital for soaring temperatures. Measures include retrofitting high-risk homes, increasing urban greening and expanding access to Cool Spaces across the city.
