Heaven nightclub gains protected status until 2031

Westminster City Council has listed the Heaven nightclub as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) for a second time, providing protection against redevelopment until 2031. This designation acknowledges the venue's significance as a cultural hub for the LGBTQ+ community.

The ACV status means that if the owner decides to sell the property, the local community will have a six-month period to make a bid to purchase it. This protection will remain in place for five years, following its previous listing which expired in January 2025.

Nomination and Recognition

The nomination for the ACV status was submitted by Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA). Jeremy Joseph, owner of Heaven, expressed his pride in the recognition. He stated that the venue, which opened in 1979, has played a significant role in London's LGBT+ community and nightlife for over 46 years. Mr Joseph indicated that this recognition could support future plans to transition Heaven into a charity-run venue.

Mr Kill commented on the NTIA's pride in nominating a venue that has been important to London's LGBTQ+ community and nightlife since its opening. He highlighted Heaven's role as a space for community, freedom, and belonging, and thanked Westminster City Council for acknowledging its value.

Previous Challenges

Heaven nightclub experienced a temporary closure in November 2024 after a member of its security staff was charged with rape. Following a licensing review in December 2024, the club was permitted to reopen under new licence conditions and with a different security team. The security staff member was later found not guilty of the charge at Southwark Crown Court in May 2025.

The nightclub's sister venue, G-A-Y Bar, located on Old Compton Street, closed permanently in October 2025. Mr Joseph remarked at the time that the street had lost its distinct identity.