Weston-super-Mare's Tropicana is set for a major makeover into a "nationally significant" hub for culture, arts, and entertainment.
North Somerset Council's planning committee voted 9-3 in favour of the authority's own proposal to revamp the iconic former lido. The project involves swapping out the 1980s indoor venue for a new one, while giving the classic 1930s promenade building some much-needed repair work.
Council leader Mike Bell, said: "I'm very excited. I'm absolutely delighted it has been given approval. This is a really exciting scheme for Weston-super-Mare and crucially unlike all the failed schemes of the past, we are absolutely going to deliver it. And people can look forward to it opening next year."
Work is set to start this summer, with the goal of wrapping up by summer 2026. The revamped venue will be able to accommodate events for up to 1,000 people indoors, and a for 5,000 across the entire site.
The development is expected to generate 15 permanent positions and hundreds of part-time roles during big events. Over the next decade, it's estimated to inject £40m into the local economy.
Mike Solomon, the council's cabinet member responsible for seafronts and investment in the Tropicana, said: "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 proposed new building for the Tropicana has stirred up some controversy among locals. When unveiled in January, the initial designs were met with criticism, leading some residents of Weston to label the structure as "brutalist" and liken it to a "1980s warehouse."
Following feedback, the plans underwent scrutiny by the design review panel and subsequent amendments were made, including reducing the height and altering the material from bright white to a mottled light grey.
Mr Solomon said: "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."
He added: "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."
The new structure will feature decorative lighting at certain times, with final design details to be ironed out later. The plans are set to slash carbon emissions by 60%, thanks to high levels of insulation, low carbon technology, and solar panels and heat pumps providing the lion's share of its electricity and heat.
71 individuals penned letters to the council voicing their objections to the plans, while 18 people wrote in support. At the planning committee meeting, Alan Rice of Weston Civic Society raised concerns about a "significant and detrimental impact" on the seafront.
He argued that the sweeping sea view is a fundamental part of the town's identity and cautioned: "The introduction of a large, monolithic building at the heart of the seafront will inevitably obstruct and significantly harm this iconic view."
However, project manager Jason Reading countered: "This will be a high quality venue that enhances the experience and enhances the seafront."
Underpinning the renovation is a substantial £8.7 million investment sourced from the government's Levelling Up Fund.
The Tropicana, which ceased operations as a pool in 2000, remained unused for several years until it was repurposed by Banksy in 2015 as the backdrop for his Dismaland bemusement park. Since then, North Somerset Council has managed the Tropicana as a venue available for hire, drawing an annual crowd of around 40,000–50,000 people.
However, the building's operational costs were not being met and it required refurbishment. For two decades, the council has been on the hunt for an operator to manage the venue, with the successful candidate expected to be revealed this summer.
