The upcoming closure of Pryzm Watford has been condemned as a “tragedy”.

Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Watford, Matt Turmaine, has mourned the upcoming closure of Watford’s biggest night-life venue.

It is set to permanently shut after its New Year’s Eve closing party, following confirmation that Pryzm had failed to reach an agreement to stay open with its landlord.

Mr Turmaine said: “This venue has entertained generations of partygoers in Watford for decades.

“Whether you knew it as Top Rank, Baileys, Paradise Lost, or Oceana, as Pryzm it will close and that’s very sad. I used to go here with my mates, and I’m sorry to see it go.”

The knock-on impact of the closure has been highlighted by many in the town, including the effect on taxi drivers, takeaways, and pubs, as well as Pryzm’s own staff, management, and customers.

The Labour councillor added: “It’s not just a tragedy for Watford’s night-time economy, but culturally as well.

“You can but wonder how many first kisses and falling in love took place in there, and I dare say a fair few barneys and bust-ups as well.”

Watford MP Dean Russell had previously called the news “deeply frustrating".

He said: "The reason I led a campaign with Pryzm to save the nightclub last year was because of its importance to the night time economy.

“That effort stopped Pryzm closing at the start of 2023 and helped protect livelihoods throughout this year.

Watford Observer: Pryzm (Image: Stephen Danzig)Pryzm (Image: Stephen Danzig)

"The reason I went to the effort to protect Pryzm was not just about preserving a venue; it's about safeguarding jobs, supporting the dedicated staff, and maintaining the overall vibrancy of Watford's night time economy."

He added that he is “concerned” the closure will have a detrimental effect on the wider economy and also for taxi drivers, "many of whom rely on this trade each and every week".

Labour’s Turmaine also criticised Mr Russell’s party’s impact on the economy as he mourned the club.

“The Tories have crashed the economy and made everyone worse off,” he said. “If Labour wins the next election, we will do better.

"We have a plan to make the economy work for working people and for businesses as well, so they have some stability and certainty in which to make investment decisions.”