Plymouth's forgotten gem seeks new purpose

Palace Theatre could used again

One of Plymouth’s most historic buildings could come back into use, if campaigners get their way.

The Palace Theatre, Union Street, which has been empty for more than 15 years, has been cited as the top building of public concern public in a list compiled by one of the city’s MPs for the third consecutive year.

It remains the key structure on a buildings-at-risk list launched by Devonport and Sutton MP Luke Pollard in 2022 and now updated for 2024.

Mr Pollard says the city must reclaim pride in its built heritage.

The Grade II-listed Palace Theatre opened in 1898, originally as a music hall, and has since been a nightclub, theatre, bingo hall, and dance academy.

Designed in the Flemish Renaissance style with an art nouveau interior and nautical-themed plasterwork, art nouveau tiles decorate the outside, depicting the Spanish Armada.

The auditorium had a capacity of about 2,500, and famous acts who appeared there include Louis Armstrong, Anna Pavlova, Laurel and Hardy, Frankie Howard and Norman Wisdom.

The building was put up for sale at the end of last year, which was welcomed by Mr Pollard who said there needed to be a city-wide effort to find a new owner to stabilise the building, make it watertight and give it a proper future.

Plymouth historian Chris Robinson said the Palace Theatre would take a ot of money to refurbish, but it was part of Plymouth’s history with massive potential.

“It will eat money, there is no doubt about that, and it will be a question of who can afford it and what use can make it viable.

“I always thought it could be turned into a museum of theatre with its lovely old stage and features.

“It’s a tricky one but I would love to see it done up, it’s a key building.”

Mr Pollard said a number of buildings on his previous ‘at-risk’ lists had seen the investment they deserve, thanks to pressure put on owners. This included progress on the city’s iconic but redundant old Civic Centre, which Plymouth City College is taking over.

He added: “After feedback from local councillors and members of the public, I’m adding the Merchant’s House at the Barbican to this year’s list, not because it’s falling down, but because it needs a new purpose, and without a purpose this incredible old building is at risk.

“As a proud Janner, I’ll keep campaigning until all of our city’s iconic buildings are brought back to life. That’s why I’m throwing down the gauntlet to the owners of our historic buildings: invest in these properties or sell up to someone who will.”

Mr Pollard’s buildings at risk list 2024 also include: The Royal Fleet Club, Devonport; The Pot Black Building/Mechanics Institute, Devonport,;Stoke Damerel High School for Girls, Devonport; Pounds House, Central Park; Great Western Hotel, Union Street,; The Cooperage, The Barbican; the Phoenix Tavern, near Union Street; and The tidal pool, Devil’s Point.