07:00, 31 October 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Across Britain, five unassuming buildings, from a youth centre in Bootle to a village hall in Fife, have been listed for sale with a jaw-dropping price tag of £500 million each. But these listings aren’t about profit — they’re about community.
The campaign, launched by Crown Paints in partnership with mental health charity Mind, aims to highlight the true value of community spaces.
A recent survey of 2,000 adults revealed that over a third of Brits (35%) rely on community spaces to escape loneliness, while 34% say access to these spaces improves their mental health.
Yet, despite their impact, these vital places are disappearing. Local authority funding for community spaces has dropped by 18% since 2022, and more than 4,000 public buildings are sold off every year.
“When we talk about mental health, we often overlook the walls that quietly hold us up,” said Amanda Bolton from Crown Paints.
“These are the spaces where real life happens, toddler groups, art classes, and drama clubs. Listing them as ‘Britain’s Most Valuable Buildings’ is our way of showing that their worth goes far beyond bricks and mortar.”
These buildings include:
The campaign sees these buildings “for sale” across property websites and even estate agent windows.
The stunt is a striking reminder that if we don’t act, the heartbeat of our communities could fade away.
“Community spaces are essential for our mental wellbeing,” added Andrew Berrie, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Mind.
“They help reduce loneliness and give people a place to connect. Protecting them must be part of the national conversation on mental health.”
Alongside raising awareness, Crown Paints has launched an online hub with fundraising tips for community centres as part of its Project Possible initiative — which aims to donate over 50,000 litres of paint to support local projects.
From colourful murals to vibrant refurbishments, the goal is simple: help communities not just survive, but thrive.
Each of the “for sale” buildings tells its own story of resilience and belonging — from Loughborough Wellbeing Centre, rebuilt by volunteers, to Granton:hub in Edinburgh, a volunteer-run creative space. In every case, their true worth lies not in their property value, but in the lives they touch.
Because when we lose these places, we lose more than a building — we lose a piece of our collective heart.
🎥 Watch: Inside Britain’s Most Valuable Buildings
🌐 Learn more: Crown Paints Project Possible Campaigns
At Smiley Movement, we elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this post.
Habitat for Humanity GB. This charity aims to break the cycle of housing poverty by building homes and facilitating safe housing environments. Learn more.
Build Up. This charity puts young people in charge of construction projects to make tangible change in their communities. Discover more.
The London Community Foundation. This nonprofit seeks to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged people in London, working with donors to invest in local charities and community groups. Find out more.
This article aligns with the SDG Sustainable Cities and Communities.
