Westminster City Council Leader Paul Swaddle has outlined a likely solution to the problems affecting the UK's oldest district heat network, the Pimlico District Heat Undertaking (PDHU). The 70-year-old system, which provides heating and hot water to over 3,000 homes and commercial properties in Pimlico, has become unreliable, with frequent leaks and costly repairs.
Proposed Mix of Heat Pumps and Boilers
Speaking earlier this week, Cllr Swaddle said the preferred approach would combine air source heat pumps and individual boilers in different flats across the estate. He also called on Central Government for extra funding to support an environmentally friendly replacement.
“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,” Cllr Swaddle said. “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.”
He added: “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.”
Residents' Concerns Over Costs and Disruption
The plans to overhaul the ageing system have been controversial among residents who currently rely on it. Under the previous Labour administration, residents were shown cost estimates suggesting leaseholders of four-bedroom flats in some parts of the estate could face bills exceeding £66,000. The council has stressed these figures were estimates only.
Westminster City Council had been considering a range of options, many involving replacing or refurbishing the existing network. However, a significant number of residents have expressed a preference for individual heating systems for each property.
Hilary Golding, representing the campaign group Pimlico Unites, said residents want fair billing for their heating. She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “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.”
Next Steps and Funding Appeal
Golding added: “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.”
The council's next step will be to await a response from Central Government regarding additional funding, while continuing to engage with residents on the preferred technical approach.
