Max HeyraudOne of London’s oldest clubs and legendary queer nightclubs, Heaven has been granted protected status as an Asset of Community Value, recognising the venue’s longstanding importance to the city’s LGBTQ+ community and nightlife culture.
Since opening beneath Charing Cross Station in 1979, Heaven has become one of the most recognisable LGBTQ+ venues in the UK, providing a space for generations of clubbers to meet, socialise and express themselves.
“LGBTQ+ venues carry a unique social and cultural value,” said NTIA CEO Michael Kill. “When these spaces are lost, communities lose places of belonging, visibility and shared history.”
The club is currently working towards plans to transform Heaven into a charity-run venue. Joseph said the proposed future would allow the club to continue serving London’s LGBTQ+ community while preserving its history.
The decision comes amid continued concern over the loss of LGBTQ+ nightlife spaces across the UK, as rising property costs, redevelopment and changing economics put pressure on independent and community-focused venues.
