Crown Paints has launched a powerful campaign spotlighting the vital role community spaces play in mental health and wellbeing. The initiative sees five community centres across the UK listed “for sale” at an eye-catching £500 million each, symbolising their true value as mental health lifelines.
According to a nationwide survey of 2,000 adults, more than a third (35%) of Brits say community spaces help them escape loneliness, while 34% report that having access to these places improves their mental health. Yet, despite their importance, thousands of public buildings are being sold off every year due to funding cuts.
A Wake-Up Call for Policymakers
The campaign—created in partnership with mental health charity Mind—has taken an unconventional route by “listing” community centres on property websites, in classified ads, and even in estate agent windows to highlight what could be lost if funding doesn’t improve.
It’s a creative call to action at a time when the numbers are stark. Freedom of Information data shows local funding for community spaces has fallen 18% since 2022, with more than 4,000 public buildings sold off annually.
“When we talk about mental health, we often overlook the walls that quietly hold us up,” says Amanda Bolton, spokesperson for Crown Paints. “These are the spaces where real life happens — toddler groups, art classes, drama clubs. By listing them as Britain’s Most Valuable Buildings, we’re shining a light on the everyday places that hold our communities together.”
The Heart of the Community
A huge 87% of people say vibrant community spaces are important, while 41% fear what will happen to future generations if they disappear altogether.
Andrew Berrie, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Mind, echoes the sentiment:
“Community spaces are vital for mental wellbeing. They provide welcoming, accessible places to connect with others and reduce loneliness, which has a serious impact on mental health.”
Project Possible: Painting a Brighter Future
This campaign builds on Crown Paints’ wider Project Possible initiative — a long-term commitment to support local communities through colour, creativity, and regeneration.
The brand has launched an online hub offering fundraising tips for community centres and pledged to donate 50,000 litres of paint to local projects nationwide.
Amanda Bolton adds:
“From creating more joyful spaces through colour to uplifting murals and regeneration projects, we’re helping communities to grow and thrive. This campaign shows how we can all play a part in protecting the places that matter most.”
The Case Studies: Britain’s Most Valuable Buildings
St Leonard’s Youth & Community Centre, Bootle, Liverpool
Listed for £500m in the Liverpool Echo
Serving Bootle since the 1800s, St Leonard’s is far more than a building. In one of the UK’s most deprived areas, it’s become a lifeline — offering food, advice, classes, and care to hundreds every week.
“St Leonard’s has always been more than a building – it’s the place our community turns to when they need connection or support,” says Debbie Shelley, Centre Manager. “Listing it as one of Britain’s Most Valuable Buildings is a reminder that what we provide is priceless.”
Loughborough Wellbeing Centre, Leicestershire
Listed for £500m on Fliq.co.uk
Once an unloved gym, this transformed hub is now a safe space rebuilt by volunteers and local businesses. Opened in 2022, it’s home to creative cafés, men’s groups, and peer-support sessions — proof that the power of community can change lives.
Boomerang Community Centre, Dundee
Listed for £500m on Fliq.co.uk
Since 1987, Boomerang has been the beating heart of Stobswell. From youth clubs to grief support groups, it’s where generations come together over food, music and friendship.
Its value isn’t measured in square feet, but in the meals shared, the laughter echoed and the lives rebuilt within its walls.
Granton:hub, Edinburgh
Listed for £500m on Gumtree
Housed in historic Madelvic House, Granton:hub is a volunteer-run centre combining creativity, culture, and connection. It’s home to affordable artist studios, yoga classes, and community history archives — keeping Edinburgh’s spirit alive.
Craigrothie Village Hall, Fife
Listed for £500m on Gumtree
A modest four-room hall that’s hosted weddings, ceilidhs and countless cups of tea for over fifty years. Craigrothie Village Hall is the heartbeat of rural life — where stories are shared, friendships formed, and generations connected.
