Decisions Needed on Replacing Pimlico’s Ageing Heating System
Residents face high costs for upgrading Pimlico’s heating system, prompting urgent council discussions.
Pimlico, Westminster, UK, Heating System, District Heating, Ernest Strafford
Ernest Strafford, a leaseholder, says fixing the system could be very expensive. He believes the costs will be too high for many residents to handle.
He suggests that Westminster City Council should stop the leaks and switch to individual boilers. This could help reduce costs for everyone involved.
Reports say flat owners might pay up to £66,000 for the new system. Even owners of smaller flats could face bills around £40,000.
Westminster City Council says these figures are just estimates. They haven’t finalized costs for leaseholders yet.
Councillor Liza Begum mentioned that the heating system needs urgent attention. It currently costs £3.5 million a year to maintain due to constant leaks.
The council is exploring options for a long-term solution. They want to reduce costs for residents while upgrading the system.
A final decision on the upgrade is expected by early 2026. Construction might not start until 2027 or 2028.
Possible options include a larger heat network or using thermal batteries. They are also considering water source heat pumps.
The council will cover some costs, but leaseholders may still face significant bills. They are also looking at the possibility of individual electric heating.
In 2023, the council spent £3.5 million on maintenance. They reported around 3,000 leaks and repairs each year.
The heating system is 70 years old and has many issues. It was built to improve air quality in central London using waste heat from Battersea Power Station.
Ernest Strafford is advocating for a solution that works for all residents. The council is still figuring out how to fund the project.