WORK on the first phase of a multi-million pound refurbishment at the landmark Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare has been completed.

Contractor Morgan Sindall Construction has finished the demolition of a 1980s internal event space as part of the North Somerset Council-led overhaul of the venue.

Work now moves to the second phase of the Tropicana refurbishment, with the council going out to tender, and includes:

• preparing the venue to become a major cultural and entertainment venue
• improvements to the outdoor arena including drainage
• repairing the main 1930s promenade building
• installing sustainable and renewable energy sources to improve energy efficiency and help tackle the climate emergency

NSC said the “vision” for the seafront site was to “provide purpose-built entertainment spaces and elevate the Tropicana’s status as a nationally significant multi-use cultural and entertainment venue”.

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Councillor Mike Solomon, cabinet member for culture, community services and safety, said: “This first phase is now complete, and we are preparing for the next exciting phase of the works.

“We’re unable to announce the name of the preferred operator just yet due to commercial sensitivities and legal constraints, but I hope that we’ll be in a position to share this exciting news soon.”

Graham Kingdon, area director of Morgan Sindall Construction in the South West, added: “It’s been a privilege to play our part in the opening chapter of the Tropicana’s transformation, and to help lay the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting future for this much-loved venue.

“Seeing this progress take shape has been incredibly rewarding for our team, and we would welcome the opportunity to contribute as the project moves into its next stages.

“We look forward to seeing the Tropicana continue its transformation into a vibrant cultural and entertainment destination of national significance.”

Doors and windows at the Tropicana are to remain boarded up during the work, the council said.

The Tropicana overhaul is part of NSC’s £20 million project funded by the UK government, including Birnbeck Pier, Grove Park, Marine Lake and High Street shops.

For more about the Tropicana project, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/tropicana.