Weston Tropicana 5,000-capacity venue faces council vote

Councillors will decide how plans to transform the Tropicana should move forward after the original proposal was found to need millions of pounds more funding.

North Somerset Council officers are recommending a scaled-back, 5,000-capacity events venue instead of the previously proposed 10,000-capacity scheme.

Plans could see the Tropicana become a major events arena (Image: North Somerset Council)

Council leader Mike Bell said: "The work carried out over the last few months has given us much greater certainty about what can realistically be delivered at the Tropicana and at what cost.

"Our ambition remains to secure a long-term future for this iconic building and create a successful events venue that supports Weston-super-Mare's economy, attracts visitors and provides benefits for local people.

"The recommendation before councillors is based on affordability, practicality and deliverability, but also recognises the concerns that have been raised about the scale of the larger proposal and its impact on the surrounding area.

"It would allow us to make significant improvements to the Tropicana, protect the public investment already secured and create a venue that can host a varied programme of events and community activity while providing opportunities for future growth."

Further design and cost work found the 10,000-capacity proposal would require significantly more money than is currently available.

The council's latest assessment identified a funding gap of around £6.6m.

The recommended alternative would retain the Tropicana as an events-led venue with capacity for around 5,000 people.

Plans include refurbishing the promenade building, creating indoor event space, repairing the sea wall and providing improved accessibility and utilities.

Councillors will also consider continuing with the larger scheme, including a revised proposal from preferred operator Live Nation.

However, officers are not recommending that option because further details would need to be finalised, potentially putting grant funding deadlines at risk.

Turning the former lido back into a swimming pool has also been considered but is not recommended.

Previous council analysis estimated a large leisure pool could cost between £15m and £25m and create significant running costs.

The Tropicana in its much-loved days as a swimming pool (Image: Newsquest)

The Tropicana was built in 1932 and closed as a swimming pool in the early 2000s.

It later hosted Banksy's Dismaland in 2015 and has since been used for events.

Councillors will debate the options at a Full Council meeting at Weston-super-Mare Town Hall from 6pm today, Tuesday, November 10.