Swindon & Wiltshire News
Tropicana set to become ‘nationally significant’ culture hub
Plans to turn Weston-super-Mare’s ailing Tropicana into a ‘nationally significant’ culture hub have taken a step forward.
Planners at North Somerset Council have given the go-ahead to a major regeneration project. Consent was granted to Morgan Sindall Construction, North Somerset Council’s appointed pre-construction contractor for the project, to:
- Repair the main 1930s promenade building
- Demolish the existing 1980s internal building and replace it with a brand-new structure to host indoor events for around 1,000 people
- Increase the total venue capacity to 5,000 people plus event staff
- Install sustainable and renewable energy sources, including heat pumps and solar panels
Work is currently scheduled to start this summer and finish by March 2026.
The council-owned entertainment venue has enjoyed highs and lows since it opened in 1937. It played host to Hollywood stars including Laurel and Hardy and Diana Dors, hosted Banksy’s Dismaland – Bemusement Park in 2015, and was home to the SEE Monster art installation – a decommissioned North Sea offshore drilling platform featuring a garden, a waterfall, kinetic scales, artworks collecting renewable energy, a cloud-making machine and a curly slide. – in 2022.
When it first opened the Tropicana had an art deco diving board – the highest diving board in Europe towering above the continent’s largest outdoor swimming pool.
When the works are complete, the council aims to appoint a private operator to run the venue on a 20-year contract.
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member responsible for seafronts, and investment in the Tropicana, said: “With the planning application now approved, it’s full steam ahead to reinvent the Tropicana, a key destination at the heart of Weston’s seafront.
“This iconic landmark building has seen several changes over the years since opening in 1937 and the designs approved today support our vision to create a fit for purpose entertainment venue. They meet industry standards to help us attract the best operator for the next twenty plus years and take the venue into the future.
“Thanks to everyone who came to have their say on early proposals at the drop-in events last year, and those who took the time to comment on the planning application. People’s comments and ideas have helped us to shape and improve the designs that were approved today.
“This project will create new jobs, support local businesses and deliver a year-round experience-led economy for the future. We want to attract higher profile acts, culture and entertainment events to elevate Weston’s place within the regional, national and international scene.”
