North Somerset Council is looking for an experienced venue operator to lease the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare under a concession contract for at least 20 years following major refurbishment. More information can be found in our news release Operator sought for Weston “iconic” entertainment venue.
The Tropicana is an iconic building on Weston-super-Mare’s seafront.
This unique entertainment venue has played host to notable events and celebrities since it opened in 1937.
Notable performers and events include
Once an outdoor pool, the space now offers dynamic and flexible indoor and outdoor events space suitable for a diverse range of art forms.
We want to regenerate the Tropicana to
To allow construction and refurbishment work to take place we need to temporarily close the Tropicana. It is due to close in September 2024.
Building surveys have highlighted priority areas including
Work is currently scheduled to finish by the end of 2025.
While the proposals include some restoration of the existing building on the promenade, the focus of the new Tropicana design is to create a brand-new building for events within the existing internal space.
As well as the regeneration and refurbishment work, we are also currently working to identify and appoint a new operator for the site. As part of running the Tropicana with a long-term lease, the operator will plan and manage the programme of events.
It is hoped that a new operator would be appointed to fit out and reopen the Tropicana shortly after work completes in 2025.
In February 2024, we announced that we had appointed architecture practice RCKa to design the new Tropicana. They will also deliver a programme to get people involved in that process.
The Tropicana is a landmark with a rich history, key to local heritage and identity. Local people have taken part in a number of consultation and engagement projects along the way. This work has led to the current proposals for the future of the Tropicana.
RCKa would like to thank the people who attended the drop-in events. These were held on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September. Around 250 people came to speak with RCKa, our project team and councillors to find out more about the project and proposals.
The questionnaire which collected your feedback has now closed. It was completed by more than 120 people.
RCKa is now working to collate all the feedback and develop its proposals. These will be ready to submit a planning application in October 2024. People will be able to comment on final proposals when the planning application is submitted.
RCKa has commissioned internationally acclaimed artist S Mark Gubb and local artist Karen Barry to work with the local community on a creative research project.
The project aims to provide new opportunities for everyone to get involved, including
If you have any memories, anecdotes or photographs you’d like to share, please contact Mark and Karen via email.
This project has been made possible thanks to the council’s successful bid for £20 million from the UK government.
This is part of North Somerset Council’s ambitious placemaking vision for Weston.