Weston-super-Mare’s Tropicana is set for a spectacular transformation into a 10,000-capacity arena, aiming to establish the seaside town as a premier destination for live entertainment in south west England. Live Nation, the leading entertainment company behind the project, plans to revitalize the former lido—famous as the site of Banksy’s Dismaland—into one of the region’s largest music venues.
North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell describes the initiative as “game changing” for the local economy, highlighting the venue’s potential to attract visitors and boost community income. Live Nation’s Eddie Kemsley emphasized their vision to create a space that embraces the Tropicana’s rich history and mesmerizing coastal setting. “This venue will truly capture the unique magic of the British seaside,” Kemsley said. “There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the UK, making it a unique landmark for entertainment.”
The council plans to lease the Tropicana to Live Nation for 25 years, targeting a reopening in 2028. The redevelopment will feature an outdoor music arena, with prior structures from the 1980s already removed to pave the way for this ambitious project.
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The venue aims to host a diverse lineup ranging from major pop stars and heritage acts to family-friendly shows, appealing to a broad audience. “Our goal is to offer something for everyone,” Kemsley added.
On May 12, councilors approved moving forward with a lease agreement, although several key “gateway decisions” remain before final commitment, giving both parties opportunities to reconsider. Due to initial cost concerns, plans for the council to borrow £6 million have been temporarily paused as alternative funding options are explored.
Council leader Bell remains optimistic: “Our aspiration is for the venue to generate income that supports local services. We are actively working on cost reductions and grant opportunities, with a detailed financial plan scheduled to return to council in October.”
Kemsley acknowledged the project’s magnitude but expressed confidence in Live Nation’s experience to successfully navigate upcoming challenges and foster a thriving entertainment destination.
Originally built as a lido in the 1930s, the Tropicana closed its pool in 2000 and narrowly escaped demolition, thanks in part to former minister Eric Pickles. It gained renewed cultural prominence when Banksy turned it into the Dismaland art installation in 2015. Since then, it has functioned as a hired event space, though it has struggled financially.
Councilors have emphasized that this redevelopment represents a pivotal moment—the “last chance” to secure the Tropicana’s future as a vibrant asset for Weston-super-Mare.