The seaside town of Weston-super-Mare is poised for a major revival, thanks to focused efforts on community sports and ambitious regeneration projects. The Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, Stephanie Peacock MP, recently visited the town to witness firsthand the progress and potential of this iconic Somerset destination.
Joined by local MP Dan Aldridge on September 20, Minister Peacock toured the town’s grassroots sports facilities and engaged with key local tourism leaders and small business owners. The visit began at Weston-super-Mare AFC during the club’s Community Pay What You Want Day. Here, the Minister met volunteers and learned about the club’s inclusive initiatives, such as Weston Ability FC – a pan-disability team – alongside other programs for women and girls, walking football, and youth academies.
The delegation then visited the historic Grand Pier and was accompanied by representatives from Visit West, Weston College, and North Somerset Council. They also stopped by popular local businesses including no1 Fish and Chips and Scoops Ice Cream Shop, highlighting the town’s appeal to visitors.
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One of the key focuses was the Tropicana, a beloved seafront venue slated for transformation into a state-of-the-art 5,000-seat events space, supported by a £9 million government investment. This redevelopment promises to further boost Weston-super-Mare’s profile as a vibrant tourist hub.
Minister Peacock emphasized the importance of seaside towns to the national identity. “Weston-super-Mare’s rich history and beautiful coastline provide a strong foundation to support economic growth and help achieve our goal of welcoming 50 million international visitors by 2030,” she said. “Seeing the community spirit at Weston-super-Mare AFC and visiting landmarks like the Grand Pier was inspiring.”
Dan Aldridge expressed optimism about the town’s future. “Welcoming the Minister showed the remarkable potential Weston has—from grassroots sports to major regeneration plans. We’re committed to ensuring the town’s proud tourism legacy thrives again, creating jobs and economic benefits for local residents. I will continue to advocate for vital investments in Weston.”
Simon Panes, academy director at Weston-super-Mare AFC, praised the visit, noting, “It was an honour to share the club’s inclusive work and community impact with Minister Peacock and Dan Aldridge. Their enthusiasm for our programs, from disability football to youth development, was truly encouraging.”
Backed by collaborative efforts from Visit West and key stakeholders across hospitality, tourism, and community sectors, Weston-super-Mare stands ready to reclaim its status as a dynamic and welcoming seaside destination.