Housing plans for Pryzm site in Watford recommended for refusal

The controversial scheme in The Parade in Watford town centre proposes 147 homes and two retail units.

The landlord of the building says its tenants, which include Pryzm nightclub, the Iceland supermarket, Laser Planet, Steinbeck & Shaw bar, two estate agents and a beauty salon have been served notice to leave by the end of January 2023.

A spokesperson for the landlord, Watford Parade (Gibraltar), told the Watford Observer in June that the tenancies would be stripped even if its plans are rejected by Watford Borough Council.

If the tenants are forced out in January as planned, the landlord risks having an empty building after council officers signalled their opposition to the scheme.

Pryzm nightclub. The venue has been operating as a club for around 40 years under various names. Credit; Stephen Danzig (Image: Stephen Danzig)

Ahead of a meeting on July 26, when the council’s planning committee will meet to discuss the application, officers have recommended the scheme is refused.

Reasons for refusal mostly relate to design rather than the economic impact on Watford, with many concerns being raised during consultation about what impact shutting Pryzm down could have on the town’s economy.

The plans would see the existing 1960s building demolished and replaced by a new building of 131 flats, rising to eight storeys.

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

A second building is proposed to the rear of the current car park, backing onto Beechen Grove, of 16 homes.

It is this five-storey building that has concerned officers, who feel it would appear “awkward and bulky” with its surroundings, “uninspiring and bland” in its design, and cause privacy issues with people living in neighbouring St Albans House.

The design of this proposed building to the rear of the site has not impressed council officers. Credit: Dwyer Asset Management

The overall quality of the proposed residential units has been described as “very poor”, the lack of private amenity space for 90 units is considered “unacceptable”, and many of the homes would have a "poor outlook".

There is no affordable housing proposed, which officers say is “disappointing”.

A viability appraisal, that has been reviewed by council-appointed experts, has found the scheme is not viable at this time - even if all of the flats were privately sold.

A view of the proposed scheme from Beechen Grove. Credit: Dwyer Asset Management

Concerns have also been raised about the loss of nine trees where the smaller building would be constructed.

In addition to the homes, two commercial units are proposed.

Planning papers suggest Iceland is being lined up to relocate from its current home to one of the spaces, with Pure Gym to move into the other.

There are a total of 57 parking spaces proposed for the whole development.

The current Iceland car park where some spaces would be retained. Some of the trees pictured are at risk of being felled to accommodate the smaller building. Credit: Google Street View

The scheme has become one of the most objected to in Watford in recent times, with just over 400 being lodged on the planning portal.

Many relate to the loss of Pryzm and the impact shutting the club could have on other businesses such as pubs, bars and restaurants, as well as taxi drivers.

Watford Conservative MP Dean Russell launched a petition in partnership with Pryzm and has even taken the fight to save the club to Parliament.

Watford MP Dean Russell, right, with Pryzm Watford manager Dave Vickery (Image: Dean Russell MP)

Read more: Fight to save Pryzm nightclub in Watford taken to Parliament by MP

The chief executive of the Watford Business Improvement District (BID), Maria Manion, warned closing Pryzm would have a “devastating impact” on Watford’s economy.

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