Plans to transform former seafront lido approved

A former seafront lido in Weston-super-Mare is to be given a multi-million pound revamp.

The Tropicana was shut down 25 years ago and left to fall into disrepair until graffiti artist Banksy transformed the derelict site into his Dismaland bemusement park in 2015.

Since then, the 1930s building has been hired out for events but now councillors have approved plans for it to be transformed into a "nationally significant" venue hosting crowds of up to 5,000 people.

North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell said it was a "really exciting" scheme which the council is "absolutely going to deliver - unlike all the failed schemes of the past".

The new scheme will see the existing 1980s building demolished and replaced by a new purpose-built indoor venue, while the 1930s frontage on the promenade will be restored.

At a planning committee meeting on Wednesday, Alan Rice from the Weston Civic Society warned adding a "large, monolithic building" to the centre of the seafront would "obstruct and significantly harm the iconic view".

Councillor Tim Snaden described the proposed building as "architectural vandalism".

But councillor John Crockford-Hawley said although the new building was an "awkwardly built bulky slab" the benefits to the town were outweighed by the harm to the Tropicana.

Councillor Terry Porter said it may not be the "best bit of design" but added delaying a decision could jeopardise the funding.

The committee approved the plans and Mr Bell said he was "absolutely delighted".

"People can look forward to it opening next year," he said.

Councillor Mike Solomon said the venue will not only "attract the best operator" but "take the venue into the future".

"With the planning application now approved, it's full steam ahead to reinvent the Tropicana, a key destination at the heart of Weston's seafront," he said.

Construction is due to begin this summer and be complete by summer 2026.

The work is being funded by £8.7m from the government's Levelling Up Fund, which may be withdrawn if not used by March 2026, according to the the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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