The Building Calculator offers communities the professional know-how needed to acquire and manage sustainable assets. Complementing Locality’s ongoing support to communities, the Build Calculator will help support community transformation when the ‘Community Right to Bid in the Localism Act’ comes into force later this year.
The Building Calculator (www.buildingcalculator.org.uk) uses the most up-to-date building component data and the whole life costing methodology employed by surveyors and construction professionals. This easy-to-use tool enables communities to plan ahead for future building maintenance and replacement costs. It can support the development of evidence-based business plans and communities seeking financial support, as well as managing the ongoing cost of maintaining a building. It is the first such tool designed explicitly for community organisations, and Locality is offering a range of related services that include on-site visits to support its take-up and use.
“Locality has a track record of supporting communities to bring local assets, land and buildings, into community ownership. Locality’s Asset Transfer Unit, along with the Building Calculator, helps communities to identify what is important to them and generate wealth amongst those who need it most. Locality remains committed to creating vibrant and resilient communities that are capable of withstanding the current challenges,” commented Steve Wyler, CEO, Locality.
“Having up to date data as part of easy to use online tool should prove invaluable to local communities,” commented Chris Bicknell, who led the team developing the tool for Davis Langdon. “By enabling communities to have a better understanding of their buildings’ future costs they will have the power to better budget and create sustainable assets.”
Locality is the UK’s leading network of development trusts, settlements, social action centres and community enterprises. It helps to create thriving communities around the UK running their own enterprises and facilities such as welfare, education, careers and recycling services, as well as community shops, pubs, arts centres and parks. It has also developed The Play Station which allows users to map land and buildings that are valued by local residents. The public is invited to add or find assets and private sector professionals are encouraged to offer their support to help get projects started.
To access the tools visit www.theplacestation.org.uk and www.buildingcalculator.org.uk
