New 2026 Buildings at Risk list – Luke re-issues “invest or sell up” challenge
- Luke Pollard publishes 2026 Buildings at Risk list highlighting ten neglected Plymouth buildings
- New additions reflect major city centre redevelopment opportunities
- Continued “invest or sell” challenge delivers results as progress made on key sites
Luke Pollard MP has published his 2026 Buildings at Risk list, shining a spotlight on ten historic buildings across Plymouth that remain empty, neglected or at risk of falling into further disrepair.
The annual list highlights buildings that need urgent action from their owners — either to invest in restoring them or sell them to someone who will bring them back into use.
This year’s list includes one new addition – the Money Centre in the city centre – to go alongside Colin Campbell House, reflecting their importance in the future redevelopment of Plymouth’s city centre.
The updated list also reflects progress. Pounds House was previously removed after being sold by the council, delivering on Luke’s long-standing challenge to “invest or sell”.
Since launching the Buildings at Risk list in 2022, a number of sites have seen significant improvements, demonstrating the impact of sustained local pressure.
Buildings including Raglan Gatehouse have been successfully converted into homes, St Simon’s Church has reopened, the RBS/NatWest building has been restored externally, and repairs have been completed to the tidal pool at Devil’s Point.
The Civic Centre regeneration is now underway, and a buyer has been found for the Merchant’s House – further signs that progress is being made on buildings on Luke’s Buildings at Risk List.
Despite this, many buildings remain unchanged, including long-standing concerns such as the Palace Theatre, which has now stood empty for over 15 years, the Royal Fleet Club in Devonport, and the Great Western Hotel on Union Street. Despite meeting the owner of the Palace Theatre in the past year to discuss its future, the building continues to deteriorate and that’s why it remains at number one on Luke’s list.
Luke’s Plymouth Buildings At Risk List 2026:
- Palace Theatre, Union Street
- Royal Fleet Club, Devonport
- Pot Black / Mechanics Institute, Devonport
- Western Morning News Building, City Centre
- Reel Cinema, City Centre
- Great Western Hotel, Union Street
- The Cooperage, Barbican
- The Money Centre, City Centre
- Stoke Damerel School, Stoke/Devonport
- Colin Campbell House, City Centre
Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said:
“My Buildings at Risk list shines a spotlight on the iconic buildings in Plymouth which are a huge part of our heritage, but that have been left to rot.
My challenge to their owners is simple: invest or sell to someone who will.
We’ve already seen real progress as a result of this pressure – with buildings repaired, sold, or brought back into use. But too many remain stuck in limbo.
This year’s addition reflect the huge opportunity we have in Plymouth city centre. These buildings should be part of our future – not left behind.
I’ll keep pushing until every one of these sites is brought back into use and playing a positive role in our city.”