With a Red Warning in effect for heat this week, it would be good to highlight those local spaces where those who need it, especially the older and more vulnerable residents, but also those in flats that don’t have adequate ventilation, can escape to.
The Mayor of London has published a map of Cool Spaces for the whole of London, including water fountains.
https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/environment-and-climate-change/climate-change/climate-adaptation/cool-spaces
Sadly, there are not a lot of spaces listed in our area, so I wondered if anyone could add some ideas to this topic so others might find respite.
Off the top of my head I would add the Library as a potential space, simply because it is a large building with high ceilings and hopefully able to cope better, but I’m not certain.
I have seen a suggestion elsewhere, for those more able-bodied (maybe those with kids), that near the tunnel in Sydenham Woods is a good place, with lower ambient temperatures and also all the tree cover.
Edit: I’ve just seen that the libraries are suffering too, and Crofton Park library has had to close. Forest Hill Library is still open, but may not be such a cool space after all
Lewisham council are recommending people go to Hither Green Crematorium - which seems a bit of a harsh way to deal with people trying to escape the heat, but apparently thick walls and high ceilings keeps it cool.
I recommend wandering round Sainsburys for a while - always the coolest place in Forest Hill.
2 Likes
ha ha ha … that’s cruel (irony)
The Costa cafe at Next in Bell Green is a/c.Waitrose in Beckenham is arctic.
1 Like
If you have to go out, the electric 185 buses are air-conditioned along with the Southern and Windrush line trains, Thameslink trains from Crofton Park also have air con and the Elizabeth line also has air con.
2 Likes
I used to go for meetings in Forest Hill Library and in the summer it was boiling.
1 Like
In all weathers the place to be seen.
1 Like
Not exactly in the area, but there’s nowhere cooler in London than Streatham Ice Rink 
