Plans to sort out the ageing Pimlico system have been controversial with local residents who currently rely on it
The Leader of Westminster City Council has named the likely solution to fixing the UK’s oldest district heat network.
The 70-year-old Pimlico District Heat Undertaking – which provides heating and hot water to over 3,000 homes and commercial properties – has become unreliable, leading to frequent leaks and costly repairs.
Earlier this week, Council Leader Paul Swaddle said that the likely solution to fixing the PDHU would be a mixture of air sourced heat pump systems and individual boilers in different flats.
He also called on Central Government for extra funding to allow the council to “put in an environmentally friendly system that supports everyone”.
Cllr Swaddle said: “The problem with [the PDHU] is it’s become very old and now needs to be replaced. The current proposed costs are way too high for local residents and even long term for the council.
“What I want to discuss is alternatives to this system – building systems such as air sourced heat pumps, but also systems where individual boilers are used in different flats. Probably a combination of those across the estate will be the solution.
“But the minister could also help us with funding to put in an environmentally friendly system that supports everyone. I look forward to hearing from them and how we can make a system that works for all.”
Plans to sort out the ageing system have been controversial with local residents who currently rely on it.
Under the previous Labour administration, residents say they were shown costs which estimated that leaseholders of four-bedroom flats in some part of the estate could be asked to pay over £66,000. The council said these figures were estimates only.
Westminster City Council had been considering a range of options, many of which would involve replacing or refurbishing the existing system. However, many residents have said that they want individual heating systems for each property.
Hilary Golding, who represents campaign group Pimlico Unites, said that residents want to be billed fairly for their heating.
She told the LDRS: “Pimlico Unites welcomes Cllr Paul Swaddle’s recognition that the current PDHU proposal costs are too high for residents and for the council long term.
“At the resident meeting held at Westminster City Hall on 28 July 2026, residents were clear they want modern, individual heating systems rather than an expensive, disruptive district-wide network.
“Residents want to be billed fairly for the heat they actually use, and want cooling options built in given increasingly hot summers. We urge the council to formally explore individual systems as the way forward, with residents kept fully involved at every stage.”
Got a story? Please get in touch at [email protected]
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
