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The old quarry, on South Road, has been leased by Weston-super-Mare Civic Society since the 1980s but following discussions between the society and the site’s owners, North Somerset Council, the lease has been forfeited and the site is now the sole responsibility of the council.
The council is now arranging for the demolition of a condemned structure on the site during the autumn and will be carrying out surveys to confirm what other works may be needed for the site to be safe for re-opening to the public.
Cllr Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council's executive member for culture and leisure, said: “Weston's Old Town Quarry is a significant asset in the town’s cultural offer. As such, we aim to do all we reasonably can to keep it available for current and future generations to enjoy. The demolition of the unsafe structure requires that the site is closed, and while that is happening, we’ll work with partners with the aim of securing a longterm future for this fantastic location.”
In the longer-term, it is planned to transfer the site to Weston-super-Mare Town Council, which has agreed a vision and investment package for the location. The transfer would ensure the site remains in public ownership and gives greater control to local communities to shape its future.
Cllr Solomon added: “I’m delighted that the town council is committed to taking on the site in the future and make it somewhere special for local people and visitors to enjoy and creative businesses to flourish. We have every sympathy for the occupiers who have been trading at the site, but public safety has forced us to close the site at short notice. We hope the resident artists will work with the town council and could return to the site in the future.”
The current quarry occupiers have been informed about the health and safety risks and that the site has been closed. North Somerset Council has worked to identify an alternative site for some of them to work from and will continue to offer this support to any who have not been able to make alternative arrangements.
David Agassiz, Chairman of Weston-super-Mare Civic Society, said: “The Civic Society leased the Old Town Quarry many years ago and have been pleased that it has become a local attraction and a centre for the arts. The Society, of whom all the Trustees are unpaid volunteers, requested some years ago that North Somerset Council hand the site over to a new operator as it does not have the skills and resources to manage the site and does not want the responsibility. Unfortunately, the site has a number of issues. North Somerset Council recently undertook surveys and a review of the lease. As a result, it took the decision to issue a Section 146 Forfeiture Notice on the Civic Society. The Civic Society Trustees were not able to remedy the breaches and raised no objection to North Somerset Council forfeiting the lease, so that has now taken effect.”
Malcolm Nicholson, Town Clerk of Weston-super-Mare Town Council, said: "The Old Town Quarry is a lovely place and the town council is keen to take it on to secure its longterm future as a community arts and cultural facility. We're in discussion with North Somerset Council to seek agreement to transfer the quarry to the town council, and to start repairs and improvements so it can reopen as soon as possible."