“"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. Ultimately, this is about finding the right balance for Weston, being ambitious for the future of the Tropicana while making sure we deliver something that works for residents, visitors and businesses over the long-term. Councillors will now have the opportunity to consider the options and decide the best way forward."
North Somerset Council Considers Revised Tropicana Redevelopment Plans
Revised scheme for iconic seafront venue prioritises affordability and community needs within budget, moving away from 10,000-capacity plan.
By Verity Coombes
••4 min read
AI
Generic image of a town hall facade with a balcony, in warm afternoon sunlight.
North Somerset Council is considering a revised scheme for the iconic Tropicana venue, proposing a 5,000-capacity events-led space within the current budget, following a funding gap identified for the original 10,000-capacity plan.
A report published today outlines the next phase for the council's plans for the seafront venue, recommending changes to the current scheme. These proposed alterations aim to significantly improve the site while staying within the available funding. Since May, officers have been working on detailed designs, cost planning, and engaging with the proposed operator and funding partners. This work confirmed that the original proposal for a 10,000-capacity venue would require substantial additional funding, with a current identified gap of approximately £6.6 million.
The report presents councillors with several options, recommending a revised scheme that would continue the transformation of the Tropicana into an events-led venue with a capacity of around 5,000, fitting within the council's approved budget. If approved, this revised proposal includes a refurbished and improved Tropicana capable of hosting major events and community activities, an outdoor events arena with increased capacity, a refurbished promenade building with indoor event space, repairs to the sea wall, and essential infrastructure improvements. It also aims for permanent investment in the heritage asset, securing its future, and providing modern facilities, improved accessibility, and upgraded utilities.
The council's ambition for the Tropicana remains to create a vibrant destination that supports the local economy, increases visitor numbers, safeguards a heritage asset, and contributes to the regeneration of Weston-super-Mare. The options follow extensive work since the council's May decision, including design stages, cost reviews, and commercial discussions. Concerns raised by residents and stakeholders regarding affordability, deliverability, the scale of a 10,000-capacity programme, transport and parking pressures, and the impact on Beach Lawns have been carefully considered.
The recommended approach seeks to balance ambition with local concerns and responsible use of public funding. It acknowledges detailed work on costs and affordability, alongside resident feedback on the potential impacts of major events. This approach offers an opportunity to establish a successful events and community destination, making significant improvements within the available funding while retaining potential for future growth.
The report also considers continuing with the larger 10,000-capacity scheme, including a revised proposal from Live Nation, the council’s preferred operator. While Live Nation's commitment is welcomed, significant details of their revised offer require further work, posing a risk to the project's grant funding delivery timeline. Therefore, this option is not recommended. Other options, such as a swimming pool facility or leaving the building unused, are also deemed not recommended due to significant financial and delivery challenges; a pool's net cost is estimated to be twice that of the most expensive large-scale events-led options. The potential role of community partners is also considered, as required by Arts Council Funding, with opportunities for local and community organisations to participate.
No decision has yet been made. Councillors will consider the report and debate the options at Full Council on Tuesday 10 November 2026, beginning at 6pm, at the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare. The meeting is open to the public and can be watched online. The full report is available on the council’s website. This project is supported by £20 million from the UK government’s former Levelling Up Fund and £2.7 million from the Cultural Development Fund.
Based on information from the official source: North Somerset Council (02/11/2026)
