Beat the heat: Cape Town launches Cool Spaces pilot at Sir Lowry's Pass Library

The City of Cape Town has launched a Cool Spaces pilot at Sir Lowry’s Pass Library as part of its Beat the Heat campaign, aimed at helping residents cope with rising temperatures.

The pilot, officially launched on Tuesday, January 27, uses existing public facilities to provide safe, cool environments during periods of extreme heat. It forms part of the City’s broader heat response initiative under its Climate Change Action Plan and Heat Action Plan.

At Sir Lowry’s Pass Library, the pilot included indoor cooling measures, access to clean drinking water, shaded outdoor areas, and information materials to help residents manage heat-related risks.

The initiative focuses particularly on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, outdoor workers, children, and communities where greening and shade are limited due to local conditions.

The space also offers child-friendly and educational activities, ensuring it is accessible and welcoming to families.

Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, said libraries are well-positioned to serve as cooling spaces because they are trusted and widely used by residents.

"Extreme heat affects people’s health and daily lives. Initiatives like Cool Spaces provide preventative support for vulnerable residents while demonstrating how public facilities can work harder for communities," she said.

The City’s Chief Heat Officer and Manager for Resilience and Climate Change, Albert Ferreira, said the pilot reflects a practical approach to climate adaptation.

"Cape Town is already experiencing higher temperatures, and this trend is expected to continue. Cool Spaces are about providing immediate, accessible relief in places communities already trust," he said. 

Library and Information Services Area Head René Walker said the pilot will help the City understand how communities use and experience cooling spaces.

"Libraries already function as community hubs, and the pilot builds on this role by strengthening access, dignity, and resilience in response to climate realities," she said.

The Cool Spaces pilot is the result of collaboration between several City departments, including Library and Information Services, Risk and Resilience, Disaster Risk Management, Recreation and Parks, and Urban Waste Management.

The City said insights gained from the pilot will inform future planning and guide the possible rollout of a similar programme at other public facilities across Cape Town.

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