The Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, Stephanie Peacock MP, recently visited Weston-super-Mare to explore its vibrant grassroots sports scene and ambitious regeneration projects aimed at boosting tourism and local economy.
On Saturday, September 20, Minister Peacock joined local MP Dan Aldridge for an engaging tour of community sports facilities, including Weston-super-Mare AFC, during the club’s Community Pay What You Want Day. The Minister witnessed firsthand the club’s inclusive initiatives, such as Weston Ability FC, a pan-disability team, alongside walking football programs, women and girls’ teams, a boys' academy, and the senior men’s squad.
Following the sports tour, the delegation visited the iconic Grand Pier, accompanied by representatives from Visit West, Weston College, and North Somerset Council. Their itinerary spotlighted local establishments like no1 Fish and Chips and Scoops Ice Cream Shop, exemplifying the town’s charm and appeal to visitors.
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A highlight was the discussion of the Tropicana’s upcoming transformation—a £9 million government-backed project to convert the seafront venue into a dynamic 5,000-seat events space, signaling a major boost for Weston’s cultural and tourism landscape.
Minister Stephanie Peacock emphasized the town’s vital role in the nation’s coastal heritage: “Weston-super-Mare’s stunning coastline and history make it a key player in our ambition to grow local economies and welcome 50 million international visitors by 2030. It was inspiring to experience the community spirit at Weston-super-Mare AFC and see the iconic Grand Pier, underscoring the town’s vibrant potential.”
Dan Aldridge, Weston-super-Mare MP, expressed optimism for the town’s future: “Hosting the Minister highlighted Weston’s vast potential—from thriving grassroots sports to seafront regeneration. With the right investment, we can revive Weston’s proud legacy as a top tourist destination, create jobs, and strengthen our local economy. I remain committed to securing the support our town deserves.”
Simon Panes, academy director at Weston-super-Mare AFC, praised the visit: “It was an honor to welcome Minister Peacock and MP Aldridge. They were highly impressed by the diversity and inclusion evident in our programs—from walking football and disability teams to youth academies and senior squads. The Community Day provided the perfect backdrop for a productive and encouraging visit.”
Organized with the support of Visit West, the visit united key stakeholders from hospitality, tourism, and community sectors, spotlighting Weston-super-Mare’s drive to rebuild and flourish as a cherished seaside destination.