Cooling centres

Cooling centres also known as cool spaces are locations across a city or region that are highlighted as places for members of the public to seek relief from the sun during a heat wave or extreme heat weather event.

Common in communities that suffer from extreme heat and extreme weather warnings, these centres may offer air conditioning and other resources such as water and food, acting as a refuge for those experiencing heat stress. These centres may offer a lifeline to vulnerable persons or groups who maybe worst impacted by heat, such as the elderly, infants and young children, people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.

In London the Cool Spaces app programme highlights indoor venues and outdoor spaces open to all members of the public where Londoners can take respite on hot days. Indoor Cool Spaces were put forward by boroughs, community groups, faith-based and other organisations following an invitation to register by the Greater London Authority (GLA). These indoor Cool Spaces are then classified according to two tiers:

• Tier 1 Cool Spaces have all the key amenities to cope in hot weather: lower temperatures than outdoors, free seating space for rest and recovery, free drinking water and toilets. They are accessible to disabled people, open at least five days a week and at least from 10am to 5pm.
• Tier 2 Cool Spaces may not be accessible to disabled people, may not have toilets and be open less frequently, but at least two days a week.

The tiered approach to classifying Cool Spaces is meant to provide Londoners with an understanding of what they can expect from venues and how some Cool Spaces can better suit their needs. The full criteria for the different tiers can be found here.

Parks and outdoor spaces that provide shade, shaded seating, drinking water and toilets are also signposted but may still be very hot during hot weather. The tree canopy layer intends to provide indicative complementary information on potential shade in public open areas across London.

The cool spaces map uses data from the following sources:

• Tree canopy cover: Data from London Tree Canopy Cover.
• Water fountains: Data from GLA Drinking Fountains Map.
• Basemap: Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database rights 2024.

For advice on staying safe in hot weather, read the Mayor’s guidance on keeping cool on hot days.

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