Pryzm Watford saved as five-year lease extension signed

Pryzm Watford has signed a five-year lease extension to save the venue, hundreds of jobs, and prevents a bitter blow for the local economy.

The 2,500-capacity super club was in danger of having to vacate its premises in January to make way for plans for 147 homes. 

Read more:

• Losing Pryzm to homes would have 'devastating impact' on Watford
• 'Frustration' as Pryzm still faces eviction in early 2023
• Under threat Pryzm calls on community to 'help save Watford's nightlife'

Hundreds of people objected to the plan and signed a petition to save Watford’s nightlife.

Manager Dave Vickery said: “I am obviously thrilled that we head into the New Year on a high note, and I look forward to working with all vested parties to ensure Pryzm has a long and successful future.

“We would like to thank everyone who has shown us so much support this year, from our guests to local businesses and our local MP Dean Russell.

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

“Pryzm is so much more than a nightclub. It is the heartbeat of Watford, providing much valued footfall to the town centre and of course entertainment for thousands of young adults across the county.”

The proposal for 147 homes at the Pryzm site in The Parade was rejected by Watford Borough Council in July.

But ahead of that decision, the Watford Observer had been told Pryzm’s tenancy would end on January 5 2023, even if plans were refused.

Dean Russell MP (Image: Dean Russell MP)Watford MP Dean Russell said: “The support from all age groups has been amazing and I would like to thank everybody that took the time to sign the Save Watford’s Nightlife petition which I presented in Parliament earlier this year.

“It is too easy to be dismissive of the cultural and economic value that nightclubs such as Pryzm Watford bring to a thriving town. There is a danger that our town centres are going to become ghost towns, which is no good for anyone.”

The club attracts around 3,000 visitors every weekend and Watford Business Improvement District chief executive Maria Manion had described the prospect of losing it to homes as “devastating” for the town economy.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 Hertfordshire (Image: Holly Cant)