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Former seafront lido set to get new operators

Dan AyersSomerset
BBC Old seaside building on the seafront. It is a classic opening to an old lido on a road. There is a big sign at the top that says "Tropicana" with a cloudy, moody sky.BBC
Live Nation is expected to sign an "agreement for lease" to manage the Tropicana for the next 25 years.

A new operator is expected to sign an agreement to lease Weston-super-Mare's Tropicana building for the next 25 years.

After closing as a pool in 2000, the Tropicana has stood vacant for years with North Somerset Council currently refurbishing it with £22.7m of government funding to make it into an entertainment venue.

Events company Live Nation, which run shows, concerts and manage festivals around the world, would take over the newly-developed site in the historic seaside town.

The new Tropicana site would hold up to 10,000 people if proposals are voted through later this month, and the fully-refurbished entertainment venue would open in 2028, subject to planning agreement.

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North Somerset Council/KTA Architects Artist's impression of the new Tropicana building. There are several cars in front of it. It is a bricked and quite modern design with the name Tropicana on the side of it.North Somerset Council/KTA Architects
Work started on the Tropicana, seen here in an artist's impression of how it will look when fully redeveloped, in October 2025

North Somerset Council won Levelling Up funding in 2023 to rejuvenate the former lido, which was also the home of Banksy's Dismaland exhibition in 2015.

The Tropicana has been run as an events space for hire, attracting about 40,000–50,000 people a year.

This new proposal would dwarf that, making it a much bigger capacity for the venue on Weston-super-Mare's seafront.

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council's cabinet member responsible for culture, community services and safety, said: "This is a significant moment in the history of the iconic Tropicana building, and indeed for Weston-super-Mare and the wider North Somerset area.

"The benefits of this appointment are substantial including economic growth, a wide range of events and cultural experiences for residents, and all that the increased national profile will bring to the area."

PA Media Dismaland picture with a huge castle and Cinderella in the middle of a fountain. There's a fairground in the background on the right.PA Media
The Tropicana was the site of Banksy's famous Dismaland bemusement park in 2015

The government gave the council £20m to help redevelop the Tropicana, along with a number of other key sites.

The council was also given an additional £2.7m capital funding towards the project from the UK government's Cultural Development Fund.

'Good news'

Paul Batts, chair of the Weston Business Improvement District (BID), said he welcomed the "positive" news about the site.

He said: "It's got to be good news and Tropicana is long overdue, so I'm pleased to hear things are progressing.

"Hopefully some more details will be released soon and we can have something to really look forward to for Weston."

The Tropicana development will be discussed at North Somerset's Council meeting on 21 April.

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