I am proud to have campaigned for the protection of Pryzm nightclub as a vital business within our nighttime economy. As soon as I heard about the potential to redevelop the site which Pryzm occupies into homes, I spoke out against the plans to close our much-loved nightclub.
The Pryzm site has a long history in Watford, and has previously been home to Destiny, Oceana, Kudos, Paradise Lost and Baileys. It employs more than 100 members of staff and generates vital business for neighbouring bars, restaurants, takeaways, and local taxi firms, who have expressed huge concerns about how this would severely impact their businesses.
It is estimated around £170,000 is spent in town on an average Saturday night as a direct result of Pryzm. The loss of the club would have had an impact on the wider economic and social stability of the town.
As the only town-based nightclub in Hertfordshire, it was imperative that it was saved to protect jobs and a place for residents to visit. I therefore launched a petition and worked closely with Pryzm and the local community. There was an overwhelming response to the campaign, and I am so grateful to every resident who got in touch to add their support. I was pleased to present the petition to Parliament showing the strength of feeling across Watford and held my own debate to ask the Minister for Business what support could be put in place.
I was delighted that in December 2022 the decision was taken for Pryzm to remain open, as the venue signed a 5-year lease extension providing a boost to the town’s economy, saving hundreds of jobs and businesses.
Dean met with Dave Vickery, the Manager of Pryzm, and thanked him for his campaign. Mr Vickery commented, “The campaign started when the application was submitted to the planning committee. The support from all age groups has been amazing. It's a great place for young people to come to, and I hope we can make progress. I would like to thank Dean for his support.”
Closing the nightclub would have such a detrimental effect on the local economy, including neighbouring bars, restaurants, takeaways and local taxi firms losing revenue and the staff losing their jobs. It has been a privilege to work with the local community on this campaign and I am proud of what we have been able to achieve.
* Sadly the nightclub has now closed.
