Brighton’s iconic Kingswest Centre, home to Pryzm nightclub and the Odeon cinema, has temporarily closed its doors following the discovery of building defects. The closure, which affects both the nightclub and cinema, was announced today as building owners and operators work to resolve safety concerns.
The Kingswest Centre, now owned by Brighton Shore, a company associated with Matsim who are in the process of restoring the Hippodrome near by, has a long history as one of Brighton’s entertainment landmarks. Originally opening in October 1965 as part of the nationwide Top Rank Suite chain, it has undergone several refurbishments and name changes over the years, including rebranding as Kingswest in 1973, The Event in 1990, and later Event II in 1996. In 2007, after another major refurbishment, it reopened as part of the Oceana superclub chain before becoming Pryzm in more recent years.
The Odeon cinema released the following statement:
“This cinema is currently closed for repairs. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and look forward to welcoming you back soon. For more information, please contact our Guest Service team.”
Pryzm also shared an update with its patrons via social media, stating:
“Due to some unexpected building issues with the Kingswest complex that are out of our control, we’re temporarily closing our doors. We know this isn’t the news you want to hear (trust us, we’re gutted too), but your safety is everything to us. No compromise.”
The statement further noted that all upcoming events have been put on hold, with full refunds being processed automatically. The team at Pryzm reassured customers that they are working closely with the building owners and local council to resolve the issue and promised to keep the public informed through social media.
This temporary closure is a significant blow to the local nightlife and entertainment scene, with Pryzm being Brighton’s largest nightclub and a popular venue for events, while the Odeon is a key destination for cinema-goers.
Further updates are expected as the necessary repairs are undertaken to ensure the safety and long-term viability of the Kingswest Centre.