Story so far

We bought the Millennium building on Union Street in September 2020.

This building had been standing empty for 15 years. It holds really special memories for lots of people. Built in 1931 as The Gaumont Palace it’s been a dance hall, roller disco and much loved nightclub.

This page shares what has happened so far

White star with eight points on a black background

Community ownership

We were able to buy the building with the support of The Rank Foundation and Power to Change. Both funders have been supporting social enterprises and community businesses to thrive in the city thanks to the ongoing work of Plymouth Social Enterprise Network.

We then ran a community share offer in 2021 where local people invested in helping to bring this building back into use.

We originally bought the building in partnership with a private investor. In 2025 we bought them out by borrowing money from Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Resonance.

Watch a film about why we bought the  Millennium

What is going on right now?

We have builders, electricians and plumbers working away on the first three units thanks to support from the Youth Investment Fund and Historic England.

Windows, doors and a roller shutter are next!

Here is a little look at work in progress…

Architectural drawing of a building with colorful icons and clouds in the sky above.

The first thing you will see are windows and doors along Flora Street and long term improvements being made to the front of the building so it’s strong and ready to be used again.

Inside we are creating spaces on the ground floor for businesses and community organisations that work with young people and the community. 

Our long term plan is to open up both sides of the building with lots of things to do, space to work and places to spend time and create a much needed music venue upstairs.

For all the latest news follow –––@themillenniumbuilding

We aim to create an exceptional venue for music and other cultural activities, supported by day time uses that contribute to the local economy and community.

We have started to test this out by enabling local bands to film their music videos in the building including The Native, and hosting an event in partnership with the University of Plymouth.

Check out our little Millennium Manifesto that got us started.

Filming scene with musicians playing electric guitars on a stage with purple lighting, while a man with a camera films from the right.
A woman wearing glasses and a colorful floral shirt with blue pants, smiling and standing against a vibrant graffiti wall.

‘We bought the building because it is too important to our community to be standing empty. Taking on a major building on the street was always part of our plan, it’s taken a long time with lots of twists and turns. We are nervous and excited about giving this building a nudge!’

Hannah, Nudge Co-Director 

A woman with blonde hair wearing a blue and white striped shirt and a badge that says "Nudge" stands in front of a colorful, graffiti-style mural.

‘As local residents we now really understand what it takes to get some of these tricky buildings into use. Our community are at the heart of everything we do and their support and skills have got us to where we are now. We can’t do it on our own, collaboration and creativity is key to getting this building contributing back to our economy and community.’ 

Wendy, Nudge Co-Director 

Interior of a theater under renovation, with exposed walls, construction materials, and empty stage area.