Luke Pollard MP calls for recommendations for his ‘2025 Buildings at Risk’ list

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, has today issued a call for public nominations for his 2025 Buildings at Risk list - an annual campaign to highlight some of Plymouth’s most iconic but neglected buildings, with the goal of encouraging investment, regeneration, and preservation.

Now in its sixth year, the Buildings at Risk list shines a light on disused and deteriorating landmarks across the city. These are buildings that, with the right care and investment, could be transformed into valuable assets for Plymouth, boosting the local economy, creating jobs, and preserving the city’s unique heritage.

Luke Pollard is inviting residents, historians, community groups, and local stakeholders to submit suggestions for the 2025 list by Sunday, 20th April, 2025. Nominations should be sent via email to luke.pollard.mp@parliament.uk. The final list will be published later this spring.“Some of Plymouth’s proudest and most historic buildings are rotting away,” said Mr Pollard. “That’s why each year I shine a spotlight on these iconic buildings and challenge the owners to invest in them or sell them to someone who will. Progress has been made on several of the buildings on my previous lists, and I’m now looking for new recommendations from the public for my 2025 Buildings at Risk List.”

The campaign has already seen tangible successes. A key example is Plymouth Civic Centre, once included on the Buildings at Risk list and now undergoing a major transformation. It has become the city’s flagship regeneration project and is set to host City College Plymouth’s new Marine and Green Skills Hub, offering 60 new courses for over 2,000 students. Plans are also in motion to redevelop the upper floors into new city centre housing which would improve safety, vibrancy, and sustainability.

Other previous listings have also sparked action:

• Devil’s Point tidal pool has now been repaired by Plymouth City Council.

• The Merchant’s House and Pounds House have both been put on the market to find new owners committed to restoration.

These successes demonstrate the potential of Luke Pollard’s initiative to kickstart change and reimagine derelict spaces as community assets.

2024 Buildings at Risk List Recap

1. The Palace Theatre, Union Street

2. The Royal Fleet Club, Devonport

3. The Pot Black Building / Mechanics Institute, Devonport

4. Stoke Damerel High School for Girls, Devonport

5. Pounds House, Central Park

6. Great Western Hotel, Union Street

7. The Cooperage, the Barbican

8. The Phoenix Tavern, near Union Street

9. The tidal pool, Devil’s Point

10. The Merchant’s House, the Barbican

Plymouth boasts a rich maritime and architectural history. From Victorian theatres and Edwardian schools to industrial-era pubs and civic landmarks, these buildings represent the city’s story and its potential future. Mr Pollard’s campaign aims to ensure that they are not forgotten, but instead revitalised for the benefit of future generations.

For more information or to submit a nomination, email luke.pollard.mp@parliament.uk by Sunday, 20th April, 2025.