Community assets and spaces

Disadvantaged communities often lack these assets, contributing to a lack of social infrastructure. These spaces are a crucial part of neighbourhood regeneration, providing the foundations for community development through connection and service provision. However, creating them can be difficult and requires significant time for planning processes, building or refurbishments. The long-term nature of the Big Local programme and flexibility of the funding meant that many Big Local areas could develop them. 

Big Local shows that when communities are given control over local resources, they prioritise assets and spaces. Approximately 10 years into the programme, £23.4m had been spent on community assets and spaces across all areas. This included community hubs, cafes, green spaces and parks. Of this investment, over £17m was invested in indoor community spaces, like community hubs and cafes. These hubs were supported by 359 volunteers from across Big Local areas, with an additional 131 volunteers supporting the delivery of community cafes.

Big Local areas saw these assets as a way to help meet a range of community needs, improve the look of their Big Local area, and leave behind something for future residents. The investments were made to:

• strengthen connections and relationships
• offer space for delivery of support and services
• build residents’ pride in their area
• strengthen local economies by investing in new local assets and reviving existing ones for community use.

As well as improving the quality, availability and accessibility of community assets and spaces, Big Local areas also increased community control and influence over them. They did this by:

• supporting and creating new community-led organisations to own and manage assets
• transferring assets into community ownership
• legally protecting assets for long-term community benefit.