Pryzm nightclub in Watford to shut by January, landlord says

Pryzm’s future was thrown into doubt earlier this year when plans to transform the site into 147 homes were submitted by the owners of the building.

Now, regardless of whether planning permission is secured or not, the Watford Observer has been told the venue’s renowned and long-standing status as a nightclub will end by January 5 2023.

Other businesses, including the Iceland supermarket, Laser Planet, and Steinbeck & Shaw restaurant & bar, have also been served notice to leave in January.

Pryzm nightclub in Watford has been told by its landlord to leave by January 5 2023. Credit: Stephen Danzig

A spokesperson acting on behalf of the landlord and owner, Watford Parade (Gibraltar), confirmed a break clause has been activated in Pryzm’s lease. They added the insertion of a break was "mutually agreed" by both parties.

Rekom UK, which owns the Pryzm brand, had most recently signed a lease for the Watford venue lasting until 2031.

The plans to redevelop the building in The Parade have drawn more than 300 objections in Watford Borough Council’s planning portal.

Even if plans are rejected by the council, the owner will not be retracting the break clause, a spokesperson said. Credit; Stephen Danzig (Image: Stephen Danzig)

This is how the venue could be redeveloped. Credit: Dwyer Asset Management Ltd (Image: Dwyer Asset Management Ltd)

Read more: Images show how Pryzm nightclub could be redeveloped into homes

The Watford Business Improvement District has warned of the “devastating” impact shutting a venue like Pryzm would have on Watford’s wider economy as well as all those the club employs.

Read more: Watford BID say losing Pryzm nightclub would be 'devastating'

Meanwhile, Pryzm said its survey found young adults will stop visiting Watford, while taxi drivers warned they would be “put out of work” if the club shuts.

A spokesperson for Pryzm has rejected the idea that the club could move to another building in the town, claiming it is “impossible” to replicate the “superclub” experience Pryzm offers.

The building owners have suggested the empty Gade House but at around 24,000 sq feet, this is half the size of Pryzm.

Inside Pryzm nightclub. Credit: Holly Cant

The club, which can attract around 2,000 people a night, said: “Pryzm has a 10 year lease for its current site in Watford and remains committed to being a part of the local late night economy for years to come.

“We are obviously hopeful that the future of Pryzm and the other great businesses within The Parade will be able to continue for years to come, but that is dependent on the landlord.”

Clubbing at the Pryzm site goes back more than 40 years. There have been a variety of operators, running under different names including Oceana, Destiny, Paradise Lost, Top Rank, Kudos, and Bailey’s.

Read more: Under threat Pryzm calls on community to 'help save Watford's nightlife'

A dancefloor at Pryzm in Watford. Credit: Holly Cant

However, Watford Parade (Gibraltar) is determined to turn the area into a “family-friendly” neighbourhood.

Its plans include 147 flats and some retail space, which could include a supermarket and some smaller units.

How the Pryzm building in The Parade could be redeveloped. Credit: Dwyer Asset Management Ltd (Image: Dwyer Asset Management Ltd)

A spokesperson for the company said: “The applicant is looking forward to hopefully being able to start on site in the New Year and start delivering the new high quality retail space and homes at The Parade. 

“The applicant is in positive talks with existing tenants and potential new ones to take the large amount of new high quality retail space which is included in the application.

“It is the applicant's hope the operators of Pryzm take advantage of the available alternative sites nearby so the town centre can continue to have the nightclub.”

A decision on the plans is expected to be made by the council in the coming weeks. The application can be found here.