Local landmark to be changed into information hub

The Silica in Weston-super-Mare has been vacant since 2018

Work is under way to transform an unused town landmark into an information hub.

The Silica in Weston-super-Mare, known locally as The Carrot or Big Lamp Corner, was built as a public art installation in 2006. It was used as a bus shelter but has been vacant since 2018.

The project by North Somerset Council and Weston-super-Mare Town Council will cost around £40,000, and will see information display screens installed and the existing bus shelter closed off.

A council spokesperson said: "As a visitor information space, it will help to provide valuable community information to support residents and visitors alike."

Once completed, Weston-super-Mare Town Council hopes to lease the ground floor for its Visit Weston service while North Somerset Council continues to operate and maintain the upper level and multi-coloured lighting installed in 2022.

Display screens would then show information promoting events, businesses and projects happening in the town.

The project is expected to take about six weeks to complete and will also see the structure undergo a deep clean.