Leeds City Council is launching a new Cool Spaces pilot this summer to help residents stay safe and well during periods of hot weather.
Running from 1 June to 30 September 2026, the initiative will make a network of free, accessible indoor spaces available across the city where people can rest, stay hydrated and cool down when temperatures rise.
The pilot follows recommendations in the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report, Heat in the City: Our Health in a Warming Leeds, which highlighted the increasing impact of hot weather on health and wellbeing across the city.
The pilot forms part of wider work taking place across Leeds to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather, recognising that periods of prolonged heat can pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable residents.
What Are Cool Spaces?
Cool Spaces are indoor venues that people can use free of charge during warm weather.
They are not medical facilities, but provide a welcoming place to spend time, cool down and access practical information about staying safe in the heat.
Typically, Cool Spaces offer:
• A cooler indoor environment
• Seating and a place to rest
• Access to drinking water
• A welcoming and accessible space
• Heat health information and signposting to local services
• Home thermometers and practical advice on staying cool
Where Can People Find a Cool Space?
Many community hubs, libraries, leisure centres and neighbourhood venues across Leeds are taking part in the Cool Spaces pilot, providing free places where people can rest, cool down and access drinking water during warmer weather.
The spaces will be available throughout the summer and will receive additional promotion when heat health alerts are issued.
Who Are Cool Spaces For?
Cool Spaces are open to everyone and no booking is required.
They may be particularly helpful for:
• Older people
• People living with long-term health conditions
• Families with young children
• People living alone
• People living in homes that become very hot during summer weather
As Leeds experiences warmer summers, access to safe, comfortable community spaces can play an important role in helping residents stay healthy, connected and supported.
Find a Cool Space
Locations can be found through the Welcome Spaces website:
https://www.leeds.gov.uk/welcome-spaces
Stay Informed During Hot Weather
Residents can also sign up to receive severe weather alerts and updates through the Leeds Weather Warning Service.
The service provides information about severe weather events, including periods of extreme heat, helping people prepare and stay safe.
For local resilience updates, practical advice and information about emergencies affecting Leeds, follow Leeds Prepared on Facebook.
Leeds Prepared is the city’s partnership resilience programme, bringing together organisations across Leeds to help communities prepare for and respond to emergencies, severe weather and other major incidents.
Further Information
Heat can affect anyone, but some people are at greater risk of becoming unwell during periods of hot weather, including older people, people with long-term health conditions, young children and those living in poorly ventilated homes.
For more information about the Cool Spaces pilot and staying safe during hot weather, visit:
https://www.leeds.gov.uk/welcome-spaces
For enquiries about the Cool Spaces pilot, contact the Leeds Health Protection Team:
