World-famous Heaven nightclub has been given special protected status by Westminster City Council to reduce the risk of it being redeveloped in future.
The LGBTQ+ venue, known for its electropop, house and dance club nights, has officially been listed as an Asset of Community Value, or ACV, for the second time.
Under the scheme the community would be given six months to buy the venue in the event that the owner wanted to sell up. Any premises which has been successfully added to the list is kept on the register for five years, meaning Heaven will remain an ACV until 2031.
Heaven Nightclub was first awarded the status in 2020, with its protection expiring in January of this year. It will now be protected under the scheme for a further five years, after being nominated by Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association.
Jeremey Joseph, who owns the nightclub, said: “Proud to announce Heaven LGBT Club has been listed as an Asset of Community Value. G-A-Y would like to thank NITA & Michael Kill for nominating Heaven. We would also like to thank Westminster City Council for recognising Heaven’s role as an LGBTQ+ community asset and cultural venue.
“Heaven opened its doors in 1979 and has played an important part in London’s LGBT+ community and nightlife for over 46 years. To have Heaven recognised in this way is something I’m incredibly proud of. It recognises not only Heaven’s history and cultural significance but also the important role it continues to play in the LGBT+ community.
“Hopefully, this recognition will help protect Heaven for the future as G-A-Y moves forward with its plans to transform Heaven into a charity-run venue.
‘Heaven is more than a nightclub’
In a statement Mr Kill said: “Congratulations to Heaven on being listed as an Asset of Community Value by Westminster City Council. The NTIA is proud to have nominated a venue that has meant so much to London’s LGBTQ+ community and nightlife since 1979.
“Heaven is more than a nightclub. It is a place where generations have found community, freedom and belonging. This recognition honours its cultural history and the role it continues to play today. We congratulate everyone at Heaven and G-A-Y, and thank Westminster City Council for recognising its value. We are proud to have played a part in this moment.”
