Vacant units in Watford's former Pryzm building are set to be combined to potentially create a large supermarket.

The plans would see the walls knocked through between The Parade's former Iceland and Laser Planet units, though it is unclear exactly which business would then run it.

Applicant Watford Parade (Gibraltar) Ltd says it will provide “an improved environment for users” thereby “facilitating the future occupancy of the units”.

The existing former Vinyl club entrance would be maintained as a separate storefront. (Image: Stephen Danzig) No change of use is proposed and the installation of equipment associated with a food store, to be placed at the basement level, is outlined in the noise assessment. Planning documents also mention the supermarket use of the Iceland store being previously established several times in the planning history section.

A new rear entrance, from the car park, is also proposed.

The proposal, submitted to Watford Borough Council in November, follows a separate planning application to upgrade and redesign the former Iceland car park, which was approved in October.

The car park behind the former Pryzm and Iceland building (top left).The car park behind the former Pryzm and Iceland building (top left). (Image: Google Maps) According to Watford Parade (Gibraltar) Ltd, “the existing carpark has become dilapidated over time due to the constant usage” and “is in need of repair and update”.

Proposals include resurfacing and reconfiguration as well as new lighting, marked footways, and a zebra crossing by the entrance. It would result in the number of available spots dropping from 80 to 64, while creating three accessible spaces and three family spaces.

The landlord said that it hoped the new-look car park will be able to withstand "the daily use of the site" and “support the reletting of the building”.

Iceland permanently closed on October 14, 2023, as the business shut four locations nationwide that month amid a review of "the retail experience offered to customers".

Laser Planet closed in July, after 12 years in the town, a year after an application establishing whether a wide range of uses under Class E would be allowed at the Laser Planet unit without constituting development. This was approved a month later.

No plans have gone in for the Pryzm unit at the end of the building and upstairs since its closure on New Year’s Day this year. It remains listed up for sale for £6 million.

Watford Town Centre BID manager Kara Mesiano said: “Losing Pryzm Nightclub was a great shame for Watford, but there are positives to take from the interest shown in the vacant unit from huge brands.  

"We have some large units in the town that are currently unoccupied which may give the perception that there is decreasing demand for brick and mortar businesses in the town, but the reality is we always have plenty of commercial interest in Watford Town Centre units once they become available on the market.

"We hope to see the new and improved unit filled in the very near future.”