First Tropicana works complete

The first phase of improvement works for the Tropicana are complete after contractor Morgan Sindall Construction finishes demolition works.

North Somerset Council contracted Morgan Sindall Construction to strip out and demolish the existing 1980s internal event space building. The second phase will be for the council to go out to tender for the next stage of the works, which include: 

• Preparing the venue to become a major cultural and entertainment venue

• Improvements to the outdoor arena including drainage

• repairing the main 1930s promenade building

• installing sustainable and renewable energy sources to improve energy efficiency and help tackle the climate emergency.

  
  

The council’s vision for the seafront site is to provide purpose-built entertainment spaces and elevate the Tropicana’s status as a nationally significant multi-use cultural and entertainment venue.

Graham Kingdon, Area Director of Morgan Sindall Construction in the South West, said;

"It's been a privilege to play our part in the opening chapter of the Tropicana's transformation, and to help lay the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting future for this much-loved venue.

"Seeing this progress take shape has been incredibly rewarding for our team, and we would welcome the opportunity to contribute as the project moves into its next stages. We look forward to seeing the Tropicana continue its transformation into a vibrant cultural and entertainment destination of national significance."

Until the next phase of construction works begins, the Tropicana’s door and windows will be boarded up to protect the building.

The Tropicana is one of several high-profile sites across Weston’s town centre and seafront set to be improved as part of a programme of work made possible thanks to North Somerset Council’s & Dan Aldridge MP, successful work on obtaining £20m investment from the UK government. Other sites include Birnbeck Pier, Grove Park, Marine Lake and High Street shops. 

The restoration of the Tropicana has been made possible thanks to an allocation of £11.94m from the overall £20m awarded to the council through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) former Levelling Up Fund. 

An additional £2.7m from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will enable further improvements. Arts Council England delivers this fund on behalf of the DCMS.

This funding is provided specifically for this project and can’t be used by the council for any other purpose such as adult social care, children’s services or highway maintenance.

More information about the project can be found on the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/tropicana.