Heaven, the world-famous LGBTQ+ nightclub in London, has been listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) by Westminster City Council for the second time, a move that reduces the risk of the venue being redeveloped in the future. The protection, which takes effect immediately, will remain in place for five years, until 2031, and gives the community the right to bid to buy the venue if it is ever put up for sale.
Second ACV listing secures venue until 2031
The nightclub, known for its electropop, house and dance club nights, was first awarded ACV status in 2020, but that protection expired in January 2026. The new listing was granted after a nomination by Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA). Under the ACV scheme, if the owner wishes to sell, the community is given six months to purchase the venue before it can be offered on the open market.
Jeremey Joseph, who owns Heaven, 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 first opened its doors in 1979 and has been a cornerstone of London's LGBT+ community for over 46 years. Mr Joseph added: "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."
Recognition praised by nightlife industry leaders
Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA, 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."
The ACV listing comes after a turbulent period for the venue and its sister establishments. G-A-Y Bar, also owned by Mr Joseph, was permanently closed in October 2025. Mr Joseph said that Old Compton Street, where G-A-Y Bar was based, had "lost its identity".
Previous incidents and legal proceedings
Heaven itself was temporarily closed for a month in November 2024 after a member of its security staff was charged with rape. The charge related to an incident in which the security guard had sex with a severely drunk woman in a car outside the venue. Following a full licensing hearing in December 2024, the club reopened with new licence conditions and a new security team.
In May 2025, the security staff member, Morenikeji Adewole, 47, of Dartford, Kent, was found not guilty of rape and attempted rape at Southwark Crown Court after a unanimous jury verdict. However, Judge Martin Griffith told Adewole he should still be "absolutely ashamed" of himself for taking advantage of the drunken woman. The judge noted that Adewole's job should have been to take care of club-goers, but instead his "response to that was to go off in a car with her because [his] brain was driven by [his] groin".
Adewole had used a false ID to obtain employment at the club, under the name Olusola Julius Alabi. He pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of an identification document with improper intention and received concurrent six-month custodial sentences.
