With temperatures set to soar this summer and Heat Health warnings increasingly common for London, there’s never been a better time for Waterloo businesses to step up and support our community through the Mayor’s Cool Spaces programme.
What are Cool Spaces?
Cool Spaces are free, accessible indoor spaces across London where residents and visitors can find relief from the heat during hot weather and heatwave conditions. As climate change brings more frequent heatwaves throughout the warmer months, our local businesses can play a vital role in providing much-needed relief for residents, workers, and visitors who need somewhere cool to escape the heat
Why should your business get involved?
Make a Real Difference: Show your commitment to community welfare and corporate social responsibility by providing a safe haven during extreme heat.
Boost Your Business: Attract new customers seeking comfort during hot periods – many will discover your business for the first time and may return as regular customers.
Enhance Your Reputation: Position your business as a community champion. Being listed as an official Cool Space demonstrates your civic commitment and care for fellow Londoners.
Simple to Join: Most businesses already meet the basic requirements, making participation straightforward with minimal additional effort.
Free Marketing: Get featured on the official Mayor of London’s Cool Spaces map, giving your business valuable online visibility throughout the summer months.
Does your business qualify?
Cool Spaces simply need to:
- Be open to the public during specified hours
- Provide access to free drinking water (water fountain or willingness to refill bottles)
- Have seating available for visitors to rest
- Be free to enter
- Be accessible to disabled persons
- Have toilet access (on-site or nearby)
Many cafés, shops, community centres, libraries, and offices in Waterloo already tick these boxes!
How Waterloo can lead by example?
As one of London’s most vibrant business districts, Waterloo is perfectly positioned to create a network of Cool Spaces that protects our diverse community. From busy commuters to local residents, tourists to office workers – everyone benefits when businesses open their doors during hot weather.
The programme runs from June 1st to September 30th, covering the peak summer months.
Ready to Join?
Register your business here
Tag us @wearewaterloo and let us know how you’re supporting the community this summer!
