"Invest or sell" MP tells owners of neglected Plymouth buildings
Luke Pollard says unless action is taken soon, these buildings could be permanently damaged or lost
Last updated 6th Apr 2022
A Plymouth MP is calling on the owners of disused and neglected buildings in the city to invest in them, or sell them to someone who will.
Luke Pollard, for Sutton and Devonport, has released a Buildings at Risk List, naming ten iconic buildings that have fallen into disuse. These are:
- The Palace Theatre, Union Street
- The Royal Fleet Club, Devonport
- The Reel Cinema, City Centre
- The Pot Black Building/Mechanics Institute, Devonport
- Pounds House, Central Park
- Raglan Gatehouse, Devonport
- Great Western Hotel, Union Street
- The Cooperage, the Barbican
- The Royal Bank of Scotland Building (aka the Natwest Building), City Centre
- St Simon's Church, Mount Gould
Mr Pollard says many of Plymouth's most historic properties are derelict or otherwise neglected.
He says that, unless action is taken soon, these buildings could be permanently damaged or lost to a fire.
Last summer, Mr Pollard successfully challenged the Church of Scientology to secure, clean and remove fly-tipping from outside the empty Royal Fleet Club in Devonport that they own.
Mr Pollard will be updating the Buildings at Risk List on an annual basis, until Plymouth's historic buildings across are brought back to life.
"Too many iconic buildings in our city are derelict and disused, having been left to rot by their owners. Plymouth is a proud city and we have a proud history and heritage. It is time these buildings were given a new lease of life, a fresh purpose, and a brighter future.
"These buildings tell our city’s story. Many are a century old, surviving the Plymouth Blitz and the wrecking ball of past regenerations. They’ve hosted everything from A-list concerts to sporting events to weddings. But, without investment, they are at risk of being lost forever due to fire or other damage.
"My challenge to the owners of these properties is simple: invest in these buildings or sell them to someone who will."
Luke Pollard - Plymouth Sutton & Devonport MP
Cooperage building
