“Full steam ahead” for Tropicana transformation as planning approved

Plans to transform the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare were approved on Wednesday 14 May by North Somerset Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee.

The planning application was submitted in January by Morgan Sindall Construction, the council’s appointed pre-construction contractor for the project.

Permission has been granted to:

• Repair the main promenade building, originally built in the 1930s
• Demolish the 1980s internal structure and replace it with a brand-new building for indoor events, with space for around 1,000 people
• Increase the total venue capacity to 5,000 people, plus event staff
• Install environmentally friendly technology, including heat pumps and solar panels, to reduce energy use and support the council’s climate emergency goals

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member responsible for seafronts and investment in the Tropicana, said:

“With the planning application now approved, it’s full steam ahead to reinvent the Tropicana, a key destination at the heart of Weston’s seafront.

“This iconic landmark building has seen several changes over the years since opening in 1937, and the designs approved today support our vision to create a fit-for-purpose entertainment venue. They meet industry standards to help us attract the best operator for the next twenty-plus years and take the venue into the future.

“Thanks to everyone who came to have their say on early proposals at the drop-in events last year, and those who took the time to comment on the planning application. People’s comments and ideas have helped us to shape and improve the designs that were approved today.

“This project will create new jobs, support local businesses and deliver a year-round experience-led economy for the future. We want to attract higher profile acts, culture and entertainment events to elevate Weston’s place within the regional, national and international scene.”

The Tropicana, which the council previously ran directly, has temporarily closed to allow construction and refurbishment to begin.

The council is currently selecting an experienced operator to run the venue for at least 20 years. The successful operator will be announced later this summer.

Building work is due to start in summer 2025 and finish by summer 2026. Once construction is complete, the new operator will carry out final preparations before reopening the venue shortly afterwards.

This project is part of North Somerset Council’s wider vision to improve Weston-super-Mare through placemaking. The aim is to upgrade facilities, increase capacity, and restore the Tropicana’s reputation as a top entertainment venue. The work is being funded by a dedicated grant from the UK government, which must be used specifically for this project and cannot be redirected to other council services like social care, children’s services or road maintenance.

To find out more, visit the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/tropicana.