A historic seafront venue in Weston-super-Mare has secured £2.7m from the government for a major transformation project. North Somerset Council will use the cash to complete the final phase of works on the Tropicana and turn it into a flagship cultural centre.
A planning application for the project was submitted by the local authority’s preferred contractor, Morgan Sindall Construction, earlier this month and the venue was partially closed.
Work is due to be completed by March 2026, with the appointed venue operator then carrying out a fit out.
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “I’m delighted that our bid has been approved – well done to council officers for all their hard work in making this happen. This funding will enable us to work with a venue operator to further secure the longterm viability of the site as a culture and entertainment venue.”
The funding was allocated by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport through its Cultural Development Fund and delivered by Arts Council England. The cash is part of a UK government pot totalling £16.2m.
The money will be used to improve and fit out the Tropicana’s interior spaces for culture and entertainment; install equipment such as for lighting and sound; and deliver a cultural programme in a partnership with the council, the venue operator and local cultural organisations boomsatsuma and Super Culture.
“The much-loved Tropicana is a key destination at the heart of Weston’s seafront,” said Mr Solomon. “Reinventing this iconic landmark building 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.”
Phil Gibby, South West area director, Arts Council England, said: “This is a landmark moment for cultural development in North Somerset, a designated Arts Council England Priority Place. The redevelopment of the Tropicana will benefit both residents and visitors through a dynamic, year-round cultural programme.”
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy added: “From film and fashion to music and advertising, our creative industries are truly world-class and play a critical role in helping us deliver on this Government’s mission to drive economic growth in all parts of the UK.”
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