The boss of an organisation that strives to protect and improve Watford town centre's economy is "deeply concerned" about the potential loss of a nightclub.

The chief executive of Watford Business Improvement District (BID), Maria Manion, says losing Pryzm to homes will have a "devastating" impact on the town.

Plans have been submitted by the owners of a building in The Parade to redevelop it into a "family-friendly neighbourhood" of 147 homes and a couple of retail units.

Currently home to Pryzm, Iceland, Steinbeck & Shaw, and Laser Planet, all of these venues would shut under the proposal.

Watford Observer: Pryzm Watford. Credit: Stephen DanzigPryzm Watford. Credit: Stephen Danzig

The manager of Pryzm, which leases the site, has urged the Watford - and wider - community to get on board with its campaign to 'save Watford's nightlife' saying Pryzm is the only venue of its kind in Hertfordshire.

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

See more: Official plans to turn Pryzm into homes submitted

Watford Observer: A CGI of how the building in The Parade could be redeveloped. Credit: Dwyer Asset Management LtdA CGI of how the building in The Parade could be redeveloped. Credit: Dwyer Asset Management Ltd (Image: Dwyer Asset Management Ltd)

Ms Manion has echoed concerns about losing a venue such as Pryzm.

She told the Observer: "Watford is the only town in Hertfordshire and the surrounding area with a nightclub, and it is a destination for many young people and has been part of Watford’s cultural heritage for decades.

"In Watford we pride ourselves on being a family friendly town and that is helped by venues such as Pryzm and Laser Planet. Young people form an important part of our local economy and our town’s growth and development. The loss of Pryzm would take away one of the town’s destinations for our young people."

Watford Observer: Pryzm Watford. Credit: Stephen DanzigPryzm Watford. Credit: Stephen Danzig (Image: Stephen Danzig)

Ms Manion believes it would not just be clubbers and employees that would affected.

She continued: "The impact on the surrounding businesses and town in the long term will be huge, and a significant part of our economic base will be driven out of the town due to the lack of services and facilities for them.

"The impact of the loss of a venue such as Pryzm on other businesses in the town cannot be underestimated, the takeaways, restaurants, bars, local taxis will all lose a significant part of their business base.

"It will have a devastating impact on Watford as a destination and as the town being the social and economic heart of our local community."

Watford Observer: One of the dancefloors at Pryzm, which has operated under a variety of different names, for over 40 years and is the biggest and most popular club in HertfordshireOne of the dancefloors at Pryzm, which has operated under a variety of different names, for over 40 years and is the biggest and most popular club in Hertfordshire (Image: Holly Cant)

Watford Borough Council will decide whether or not to approve the application that was submitted earlier this month. A decision is expected this summer.

The applicant's plans can be viewed on the council's planning portal and this is where members of the public have an opportunity until May 5 to make comments on the scheme and state whether they support or object to the plans.

The reference number required to find the application is 22/00506/FULM and a link to the planning portal can be found by clicking here.