How communities are stepping up to revive our tired towns and cities

How communities are stepping up to revive our tired towns and cities

The text you have shared discusses how communities across the UK are revitalizing urban spaces and public realms as public funding declines. Key points include:

– Community spirit often goes unnoticed but is critical in shaping better urban environments.
– Residents in south-east London transformed a neglected strip of land into the Crofton Park Railway Garden, turning a littered space into a green area for learning and leisure.
– Community-run businesses have doubled in England (from 2015 to 2022), with many being pubs that also serve as important social hubs hosting a variety of community events beyond just drinking.
– Communities are making a significant impact on high streets and town centers, repurposing former retail spaces into diverse, mixed-use hubs.
– Examples include the Haven Community Hub in Southend, Essex, which offers various community services including healthcare, workshops and social spaces.
– Funding remains a challenge, but support exists such as the Scottish Land Fund and the Community Ownership Fund, which have helped communities purchase and refurbish local assets like community centers and shopping arcades.
– The story of Take A Bow in Kilmarnock highlights successful community acquisition and refurbishment of a community center that was otherwise unaffordable for the local authority to maintain.

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