Local residents to have say on Tropicana plans

The Tropicana has played host to a number of events and celebrities since it opened in 1937

Local residents are being invited to share their thoughts on plans to transform the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare.

The Tropicana has played host to notable events and celebrities since it opened in 1937, and the proposed works will enhance existing facilities and its boost capacity as an entertainment space.

Architecture practice RCKa, appointed by North Somerset Council, will hold drop-in events at the seafront building on 13 and 14 September.

The project is being funded by the council's successful £20m funding bid from the UK government.

The venue, which is a former swimming pool, is owned and currently run by the council, and has hosted a number of events such as Banksy's Dismaland in 2015 and SEE Monster in 2022.

While the council has hired the Tropicana out as an arts and event space it has never covered its operational costs and the building is in need of significant repair.

SEE Monster - a former North Sea offshore platform - was delivered to the Tropicana in July

Timings for the public events will be published on the council’s social media channels and website.

Visitors will be able to view early stage designs, find out more about the improvement programme in Weston, and share memories, stories and experiences of the Tropicana to contribute to a social history project led by local artists.

In March, councillors clashed with officers over who should become its new operator.

Councillor Mike Solomon, the council's executive member responsible for seafronts, and investment including the Tropicana, said the council "will help reinvent iconic heritage buildings, support local businesses, create new jobs, and deliver a year-round experience-led economy for the future".

Other sites set for improvement in Weston include Birnbeck Pier, Grove Park, Marine Lake and shops on the High Street.

Dieter Kleiner, director at RCKa, said RCKa is "incredibly proud" to be appointed to help shape the next chapter in the Tropicana’s rich social history.