New Era for Old Town Quarry as the Restored Site Reopens

The Old Town Quarry in Weston-super-Mare, located just up the road from Grove Park, reopened yesterday after being closed since August 30th 2023, much to the disappointment of holidaymakers and local regulars alike.

The site, owned by North Somerset Council, was previously operated by Weston-super-Mare Civic Society, and was a beloved location for nature enthusiasts, dog walkers, and daytrippers, who came to the retired quarry to indulge in refreshing beverages from the Rowan Tree Tea Rooms, to visit the art studios that showcased local artists, and to see rare wildlife.

Now, with a leasing agreement signed in July 2024 with Weston-super-Mare Town Council, and after much work to restore the derelict site, it has reopened, attracting hundreds of visitors for its thriving opening event.

Local history enthusiast and former mayor, Cllr John Crockford-Hawley, said at the time of the signing of the lease “Quarrying last occurred here in the 1950s after which the site gradually became derelict until Weston Civic Society established its popular community facility and wildlife sanctuary. This new chapter in the quarry’s story will ensure continuity of purpose with community involvement and much improved facilities.”

Since the Quarry closed to the public, work done by the council has been extensive, with projects as large as the demolition of the condemned stone-crushing plant, felling diseased trees, revamping the two main buildings, even replacing the roofs, and clearing overgrown shrubs from the “Bowl” area at the bottom of the quarry.

Photo: Oliver Masley

Yesterday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Town Council held the opening event of the refurbished site, previously scheduled for late Summer, welcoming people back with a range of free activities, such as archery, provided by Mendip Outdoor Centre. The event kicked off with a speech by the current mayor of the town, Cllr Martin Williams, who then cut the blue ribbon, breathing new life into the beloved space. The event saw brilliant performances from

The People’s Show Choir and Nogin the Solo Shanty Man as well as workshops from the Learning hub and Weston Artspace, both of which are now based in new wooden cabins in the quarry. Inside the main building, the Stone & Canvas cafe served delicious sweet and savoury treats to a long queue of excited customers.

The building is also host to a gift shop, and numerous local artists who use a variety of different styles of art, including wood-fired ceramic maker Sim Taylor, who had exclusive workshops exploring his craft.

Photo: Oliver Masley

Aside from the activities, wildlife enthusiasts lost themselves in the main attraction: the quarry’s natural beauty. Host to a range of rare wildlife, the area has long been known for its cliffs being home to peregrine falcons, the fastest animals on earth, and the “Bowl” of the quarry being the habitat of foxes, most notably Sam the Quarry Fox, known for befriending the former owner of the cafe, but passed away in 2016.

It is clear that the Quarry has a bright future ahead of it, and will once again be a home from home for dog owners, their furry friends, nature enthusiasts and tourists, a green gem in the heart of Weston-super-Mare.