When London Melts: Building Heat Resilience in Somers Town

As our weather patterns shift and extreme heat becomes a more frequent reality, the impact on our health and our homes is no longer a distant concern—it is a local priority. At the St Pancras and Somers Town Community Association (STCA), we believe that community centres are at the heart of navigating these changes. Building on our Future Neighbourhoods 2030 (FN2030) programme, we are actively exploring how to protect our community and transform our urban spaces for a climate-resilient future.

Why Heat Matters for Our Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that heat is a significant environmental and occupational hazard. It is a leading cause of weather-related deaths and can worsen underlying conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, and mental health issues.

In urban areas like Somers Town, the risk is amplified. Cities often trap heat due to a lack of green space and the use of building materials that absorb and radiate warmth. Furthermore, those living in low-quality or overcrowded housing are often disproportionately exposed to overheating, making community-led solutions essential.

“London Is Melting”: A Workshop for CoP 30

On November 20, 2025, STCA hosted the “London Is Melting” workshop, a cross-sectoral event designed to tackle the heat emergency head-on.

The workshop brought together residents, local authorities, private organisations, researchers, and charities to ask two vital questions:

1. If London were melting, where would you and your loved ones go for refuge?

2. As decision-makers, what places would you prioritise to keep the city safe?

Our Community’s Top Picks for Heat Refuge:

• Parks and Green Spaces: Valued for natural cooling and shade.

• Libraries and Community Centres: Recognized as vital civic “cool hubs”.

• Faith Buildings and Canals: Essential spaces for both physical cooling and community connection.

Identifying the Gaps

While we identified where people feel safe, the workshop also highlighted critical gaps in our current systems:

• Communication: We need clearer plans on how to reach everyone during a heat emergency, especially those without access to technology.

• Long-term Planning: We must ask ourselves: Are our homes fit for extreme heat? Who is responsible for the long-term governance of heat resilience?

Moving Forward Together

STCA is committed to being an exemplar model of sustainability. We are looking at the future of what a community center should be—not just a place for activities, but a resilient sanctuary for the neighborhood.

This work is only possible through collaboration. We want to thank our partners, including Bartlett UCL (MAHUE), Melting Metropolis, and local supporters like Spicy Laass, for helping us start this conversation.

Get Involved Do you want to help us build a climate-resilient Somers Town?

• Work with us: We are looking for collaborators to help shape our future initiatives.

• Stay Informed: Follow our blog and social media for updates on our climate programs.

• Contact us: Reach out at [email protected] to learn more or get a copy of our “London Is Melting” zine when it comes out.