TROPICANA, Weston’s iconic seafront arts and culture hub, could see enhanced facilities and a boost to its capacity.

North Somerset Council has put together proposed designs which it said would restore the venue’s status as a nationally renowned, multi-use entertainment space – and they want to hear resident’s views on the plans.

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.

Funding for the project has come from the council’s successful £20m funding bid from the UK government – with the seafront landmark just one of several high-profile sites targeted for improvement across Weston’s town centre and seafront.

This includes Birnbeck Pier, Grove Park, Marine Lake and shops on the High Street.

Architecture practice RCKa, appointed by North Somerset Council, is hosting two drop-in sessions at Tropicana on September 13 (evening) and Saturday 14 (daytime).

Visitors to the events will be able to view early stage designs and meet members of the RCKa design team, find out more about the improvement programme in Weston, and share memories, stories and experiences of the Tropicana to contribute to a social history project being led by local artists.

These events are part of a series of engagement activities being held by RCKa to give local people, community groups and organisations the opportunity to get involved and contribute to the proposed designs.

Banksy’s Dismaland at Tropicana in 2015 Picture: North Somerset Council

Cllr Mike Solomon, the council’s executive member responsible for seafronts, and investment including the Tropicana, said: “We’re focussing the programme of investment on delivering maximum impact at several high-profile sites across Weston’s town centre and seafront.

“This will help reinvent iconic heritage buildings, support local businesses, create new jobs, and deliver a year-round experience-led economy for the future.

“The council is about to launch a campaign to attract a new operator for the Tropicana and focussing on this fantastic site’s future viability is central to the design and investment choices, and one of the reasons that we chose RCKa as our preferred supplier for this important project.

“I urge people to come along and get involved in these events.”

Dieter Kleiner, director at RCKa, said: “RCKa is incredibly proud to be appointed to help shape the next chapter in the Tropicana’s rich social history.

“It has played a significant part in thousands of lives and, together with North Somerset Council, we are working to secure its future by providing new flexible event facilities and refurbished heritage assets, and to restore the Trop as a cultural destination of national importance.

“We want to encourage everyone to come along and share their personal stories, to contribute their thoughts on the work that’s been done to date, and to help shape a positive future for this iconic venue.”

This unique entertainment venue has played host to notable events and celebrities since it opened in 1937.

Notable performers and events include Hollywood greats such as Laurel and Hardy and Diana Dors, internationally-renowned street artist Banksy and his 2015 ‘Dismaland – Bemusement Park’ and the See Monster art installation.

More information and event timings will soon be published on the council’s social media channels and website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/tropicana.