Cool spaces are free, indoor places in Reading where people can take a break from the heat, cool down and rest during the current period of hot weather.
They are normally open to anyone who needs a comfortable place to stay out of the sun, or if they are struggling to keep cool at home, which may help to reduce health risks from heat.
They offer a comfortable place to rest and cool down.
The cool spaces we are signposting to in Reading could offer:
- a cooler indoor environment (note that some are in buildings which do not have air conditioning but are naturally cooler buildings; we have specified below which have air conditioning)
- seating and a place to rest
- free drinking water
- shelter from the sun
Staff can be on site, but cool spaces are not necessarily intended to provide medical care or specialist support.
When and where
The following Council-run cool spaces during the current extreme heat alert (June 24–25 2026):
- Reading Civic Centre (Bridge Street) will be open as a cool space on Wednesday 24 June from 9am until 5pm and Thursday 25 June from 9am to 5pm. (Note: library services will not be open on Wednesday 24 June). The Central library will also be open as usual from 9am to 7pm on Thursday 25 June. Air conditioned, free drinking water and toilets available. Wheelchair accessible.
- Rivermead and Palmer Park Leisure Centres will be opening additional cool spaces for public use on 24 and 25 June. Air conditioned, free drinking water, toilets and changing places are available. Wheelchair accessible. Opening times: 7:00 – 21:00. Leisure Centres, Gyms & Swimming Pools in Reading | Better
Other local venues with cool spaces available to use (not Council-operated):
- Whitley Community Development Centre Cafe – open from 9am till 3pm. Not air conditioned but tends to remain cool within the cafe, access to free drinking water provided. Free drinking water provided, free wifi and toilet access. Wheelchair accessible. https://whitley-cda.org/projects/cafe/
- Age UK Berkshire Broad Street Mall Office (upper level) – open from 10am to 3pm. Air-conditioned space with seating for up to 6 people, offering a cool and comfortable environment during periods of extreme heat. Free drinking water is available. Wheelchair accessible. Located on the upper level of Broad Street Mall. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/berkshire/about-us/contact-us/
- The Atrium at Greyfriars (Friar Street) is a welcoming, accessible space with a bookshop and coffee shop on site, and is air conditioned. Open 9 am–4 pm Monday–Saturday and 9–11 am on Sundays. Free drinking water provided and toilet access. Wheelchair accessible. https://greyfriars.org.uk/atrium/
- Cafe12 at Lifespring Church (The Pavilion 143-145 Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7UY) is open from 10am to 2pm and is air conditioned. Step free access available through the Russell Street entrance. Free drinking water provided and toilet access. https://lifespringchurch.org.uk/whats-on/community/cafe-12/
Could you offer a Cool Space?
If you run or have access to a suitable venue that could offer a cool space to our residents, please let us know.
A cool space doesn’t have to provide air conditioning, generally any space that is able to stay below 26 degrees can provide respite for people struggling with the high temperature.
If you can offer this along with seating and a place to rest, and free drinking water, then you could provide valuable help to people at risk of harm from the hot weather.
There is currently a RED heat-health alert for the South-East, which covers Reading Borough, from Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at 01:00am to Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 11:00pm. We are also expecting high temperatures on Friday 26 June and Saturday 27 June. This means that there is an increased risk to life across the whole population (including healthy adults), with significant impacts on older people.
Staying safe in hot weather
Even when using cool spaces, it’s important to:
- drink plenty of fluids and carry water with you when travelling – the Refill app can help you find places to refill your water bottle
- avoid spending long periods in direct sun, wear hats and sun protection when out and about
- look out for family, friends and neighbours who may be more affected by the heat
- be aware of the signs of heat-related illness
For more advice, visit Gov.uk for further information on staying safe in hot weather and see a list of other resources to help you stay cool and safe at
https://www.reading.gov.uk/news/extreme-heat-warning-staying-safe-and-well-in-hot-weather/