Councillors delay Tropicana decision

Councillors gathered on Tuesday (April 21) to discuss a proposal for global entertainment company Live Nation to take on a 25-year lease to operate the seafront venue.

They were told the site would likely host “mid-range acts,” such as Madness, and could accommodate crowds of up to 10,000 people.

However, several concerns were raised during the discussion, including transport arrangements, limited available details, the implications of Martyn’s Law, the requirement to borrow £6 million, and potential competition with other venues.

Explaining the decision, North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell said

“The Tropicana represents a huge opportunity for Weston, and I am very supportive of the direction of travel and the ambition behind the project to create an all-year-round entertainment venue.

“What is being proposed is not just a new operator, but a major long-term plan for the site, with Live Nation as the preferred operator, a bigger-capacity venue, a stronger focus on the outdoor arena, and investment in the facilities, infrastructure, safety and security needed to make the project work for the future.

“That said, there are still important details to work through. At last night’s Council meeting, no decision was made to confirm this approach or award a lease, and the matter will now return to Full Council again on May 12.

“I believe this is a game-changing opportunity for Weston and the Tropicana, but we must take the time to get it right and make sure we deliver the very best project we can for our town.”