Christmas has come early for Hertfordshire’s largest nightclub, PRYZM Watford, as the venue has signed a 5-year lease extension providing a boost to the town’s economy, saving hundreds of jobs and businesses.
The 2,500 capacity super club had been under threat of closure and was in danger of having to vacate its premises next month (January 2023) to make way for 147 homes, but hundreds of people objected to the plan and signed the petition to save Watford’s nightlife.
PRYZM Watford’s venue 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 long and successful future.
“We would like to thank everyone who has shown us so much support this year, from our customers to local businesses and our local MP Dean Russell. 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.”
This view is echoed by Dean Russell, who added: “My argument was that closing the nightclub will have a hugely detrimental effect on the local economy, with neighbouring bars, restaurants, takeaways, and local taxi firms losing out on revenue and the staff losing their jobs.
“The site’s history dates back decades, having previously operated as Paradise Lost, Bailey’s, Top Rank, Kudos, Destiny and Oceana, so I am delighted that young people will be able to continue enjoying the club.
“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.”
The long-term future of PRYZM Watford, which attracts around 3,000 visitors into the town centre every weekend, is now down to the planners.
Mr Russell explained: “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. Watford’s nightlife already lives in the shadow of London and with the 24-hour weekend Tube this continues to be a real test for the strength of Watford as a destination."
