4th September 2025
New Local are an independent think tank and network who are seeking to transform public services and unlock community power. They have recently published a report called Where People Meet, highlighting the role of community buildings as a "core and enduring part of the UK's social infrastructure". :contentReference[oaicite:0]
The report argues that community buildings are:
- Hubs of social connection.
- Stewards of health and wellbeing.
- Vital partners in their local ecosystems.
- Important physical assets that communities can depend on.
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The report goes on to summarise the strengths of community buildings, the challenges they face and what can be done to overcome them. It highlights the importance of protecting and investing in community spaces that help bring people together, support local services and strengthen community resilience. :contentReference[oaicite:2]
You can read the report on the New Local website.
Here at ACT, we believe that community buildings, village halls and other community-owned assets such as playing fields are at the very heart of our communities. ACT supports the volunteers who manage these facilities through our free Community Buildings Service. We also have a Statement of Principles on community buildings. :contentReference[oaicite:3]
This report from New Local strongly reflects our own experience that community buildings are often the heart of community life. They provide places where people can connect, learn, celebrate, support one another and build stronger, more resilient communities. :contentReference[oaicite:4]
For more information about ACT's support for community buildings and village halls, please contact our Community Buildings Team or visit the Community Buildings section of our website.
