North Somerset Council is moving forward with exciting plans to transform the Tropicana into a premier entertainment venue. Following last month’s approval of the refurbishment scheme, the council’s Cabinet is set to review recommendations to award a 25-year operational contract for the newly renovated site.
The council’s planning committee recently approved the transformation plans with a 9-3 vote, greenlighting the replacement of the outdated 1980s indoor venue with a modern, purpose-built facility. This new venue will preserve and restore the historic 1930s promenade building, maintaining the site’s iconic character while introducing state-of-the-art amenities.
Construction is scheduled to begin this summer, with completion targeted for summer 2026. The upgraded venue will accommodate up to 1,000 guests indoors and up to 5,000 across the full site, enabling it to host a wide range of events.
The project is expected to create 15 full-time jobs and hundreds of part-time roles during major events. Additionally, it is forecast to generate around £40 million in economic benefits for the region over the next decade.
Cllr Mike Solomon, the council’s cabinet member overseeing seafronts and investment in the Tropicana, commented: “After a comprehensive procurement process that began with an open tender last September, we are now ready to move towards appointing a preferred operator. Although the operator’s identity remains confidential due to legal and commercial reasons, we anticipate announcing the selected operator later this summer.”
He added, “This project represents a major milestone for Weston’s seafront, offering substantial benefits not only to the local community but also to the wider North Somerset area.”
Once construction concludes, the chosen operator will finalize venue fit-out and prepare for the grand reopening of the Tropicana.
The Tropicana redevelopment is part of a broader revitalization initiative benefiting several high-profile Weston sites, including Birnbeck Pier, Grove Park, Marine Lake, and local High Street shops. Funding for these projects comes from a successful £20 million grant secured by North Somerset Council from the UK government, specifically earmarked for these enhancement efforts.