WORK starts today (October 30) on a £12 million overhaul of landmark Weston-Super-Mare venue, the Tropicana.
North Somerset Council (NSC) said it plans to create “purpose-built indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces, increase capacity, and elevate the Tropicana’s status as a nationally significant multi-use entertainment venue”.
And preparation work begins today, with contractor Morgan Sindall Construction stripping out and demolishing the existing 1980s internal event space building, followed by the start of demolition work in November.
Following demolition, the following work is planned at The Tropicana in Weston:
- repairing the main 1930s promenade building
- replacing the existing 1980s internal event space building with a brand-new structure to host indoor events for around 1,000 people
- increasing the total venue capacity to be more commercially viable
- installing sustainable and renewable energy sources, including heat pumps and solar panels, to improve energy efficiency and help tackle the climate emergency.
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Construction work is due to complete by the end of 2026, with an appointed venue operator completing their fit out and re-opening the Tropicana soon after.
Councillor Mike Solomon, NSC cabinet member responsible for seafronts, and investment in the Tropicana, said: “This is an exciting step forward for the Tropicana, a much-loved and iconic destination at the heart of Weston’s seafront.
“This is one of our key projects – it will unlock significant inward investment opportunities to benefit not just the local economy and local residents but North Somerset and beyond.
“We continue to work hard to secure an experienced venue operator to run the Tropicana for at least 20 years.
“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 make this exciting announcement soon.”
How the revamped frontage at the Tropicana in Weston could look. Picture: KTA/North Somerset Council
We are a local company, welcome contact with local council or main contractor (Electrical) would we consider supplying some electrical products from our offer towards this update design.