Kingston’s Pryzm nightclub is set to receive a £3million facelift under plans proposed by its new owners.
The venue will be split into two sections: Bonnie Rogues, a bar, and Circuit, a rebrand of the current late night venue.
NEOS Hospitality bought the venue after former owners Rekom UK went into administration in 2024, and Pryzm Kingston general manager Stephan Currie expressed the need for nightlife venues to diversify their income.
He said: “There has been a real drop in 18-year-olds going out at night.
“By splitting the business, it will allow us to increase the demographic by appealing to older groups.
“There is a lot of potential here [at Pryzm] and we can take it even further with this investment.”
The investment seeks to benefit the Kingston music scene, as music shop Banquet Records put on regular concerts and events at the venue.
Pryzm Kingston has hosted performances by current chart-toppers such as Charli XCX, Billie Eilish and Stormzy, as well as long-established acts like Shania Twain and Rod Stewart.
Jon Tolley, the co-owner of Banquet Records, has been involved with the planned refurbishment, with his shop having contributed a five-figure sum to the £3million investment.
Pryzm’s Grade II listed Main Room, where the concerts take place, would be restored with care taken over preserving its original design, Tolley said.
The room would also see a ceiling-suspended sound system installed, and sloped flooring on the balcony level which would provide unobstructed views of the stage during performances as part of the refurbishment.
Tolley said: “In this climate when gigs and venues are going bust all over and are really struggling, to have a place say ‘Hey we are going to spend this much money’, it is a really positive statement.”
“The plan is getting less praise and attention than it probably deserves.
“This is not costing the taxpayer or charities anything, it is just a business getting on with it.”
Financial struggles during the pandemic and the cost of living crisis have caused many late night venues to shut their doors for good.
Data published by The Music Venue Trust in 2024 showed 48% of music venues ran at a loss last year and, on average, they operated on small profit margins.
Banquet Records has previously invested in Pryzm Kingston, having paid for a goods lift to be installed in 2022 to make the setup for gigs more efficient.
The future for Kingston’s nightlife is promising, as the record shop united with Kingston pub The Fighting Cocks to save the nightclub Bacchus in 2024, after the venue was experiencing financial struggles.
The proposed plans for Pryzm Kingston’s refurbishment have been submitted to Kingston Council and are awaiting approval.
Kingston Council declined to comment until a planning decision has been made.
Featured Image: Pryzm Kingston is closed for the day ahead of a night of music (Credit: Christian Maddock)
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