Owners plan to invest £3m. But what does this mean for music lovers?
NEOS Hospitality, the owner of PRYZM, wants to renovate the current site to include a Bonnie Rogues bar and a Circuit nightclub, which both currently run elsewhere in the UK.
In its new form, PRYZM will continue to collaborate with Banquet Records for live performances. Jon Tolley, the owner of Banquet Records, supported the rebranding and said: “The changes will significantly enhance the experience for the gig-goer.”
The planning application details improvements to the stage, with suspended speakers, a sloped floor and a raked seating area.
The speakers are currently set on the ground, but Tolley said: “If they are suspended, the performance will sound better and will also give considerably better sightlines. At present you can’t see much.”
Locals said they were enthusiastic about what the potential renovation would mean for live performances.
Jodie Burge said: “Kingston is becoming increasingly known for its live music scene which can only be a good thing for surrounding business and younger bands looking to the future.”
She added: “It’s unbelievable that we can get artists that fill stadiums in a small local and accessible venue.”
A few of the artists who performed at PRYZM in 2024 include Bradley Simpson, The Script, Finneas, Billie Eilish and Post Malone.
Another resident, Louise Goves, said: “This sounds like it will improve an already brilliant local venue that is attracting some of the top names in the music business.”
PRYZM is a Grade II listing, built in 1939 and designed by George Coles. The interior incorporates an Art Deco Style, with canopies on the ground level and three arched windows on the first floor.
The original building was a Granada Cinema which closed down in 1987. The site then became the Oceana nightclub, rebranded as PRYZM in 2014.
NEOS Hospitality wants to preserve the historic elements of the building, with its original triple arch motifs as well as a grand staircase to the first floor.
Russell Quelch, CEO at NEOS Hospitality, said: “We are looking to provide a vibrant, next generation venue space for our customers to enjoy throughout the day and evening.”
Kingston Council is yet to approve the planning application.
