Bath and the surrounding area already have some great examples of community ownership and we would love to see more!
Community owned assets can be used to deliver vital services and activities to the local community and serve as a space to enable people to turn ideas into practical projects. This brings many benefits, including improved services, increased local employment, restoration of unused buildings, generation of income that can be re-invested locally, greater financial sustainability, independence for community organisations and the empowerment of a local community to better meet local needs.
Community organisations in the UK have taken ownership over physical assets such as buildings, shops, libraries, swimming pools, pubs, entertainment venues, renewable energy generation schemes and green spaces. Check out these examples.
Local news on community ownership
600-year-old Somerset pub rescued by villagers pouring the pints (June 2026)
16th Century pub saved by village reopens (January 2025)
Bath Komedia moves into community ownership (March 2019)
The Packhorse pub near Bath announces reopening date after community campaign success (February 2018)
Bath City Football Club completes transition to community ownership (May 2017)
Bath’s Bell Inn saved by community buyout scheme (March 2013)
Support for community ownership
Community Shares
The Community Shares Unit supports the growing number of community enterprises that are using Community Share and Bond Issues to raise investment capital from their local supporters.
Community assets and ownership
Resources from MyCommunity designed to help you protect, save, or manage a community space or community asset in your local area.
Locality: ownership and management of assets
Locality is the national membership network for community organisations. As part of their work they help communities own and manage land and buildings.
Community Owned Pubs (CAMRA)
Discover Community Owned or Community Run Pubs
Community Ownership – Running Your Own Pub – Pub is The Hub
A guide and case studies on community ownership of a local pub.
Plunkett UK
Plunkett UK is a national charity supporting rural community businesses across the UK.