Thousands of community buildings get lost each year

New research from Crown Paints has revealed that Britain’s most valuable properties aren’t penthouses or country estates, they are the community spaces that bring people together.

New research highlights how almost half of UK adults (49%) see community centres, libraries, and youth clubs as among the nation’s most important buildings. One in two believe that having vibrant community spaces is essential for local life, while over a third (37%) say they provide affordable opportunities to socialise.

Freedom of Information data from 96 local authorities shows funding for community assets has fallen by 18% since 2022. According to Locality, more than 4,000 publicly owned buildings and spaces in England are being sold off each year, over four times the number of Starbucks outlets in the UK.

Ros spoke to Amanda Bolton, community lead at Crown Paints.