Right now, Weston-super-Mare’s Tropicana is a sad, derelict shell of what it once was. When it opened in 1937 was Europe’s largest open-air swimming pool and had the tallest diving board in the continent – for decades, it was a flourishing seaside landmark.
In the 1980s, it was rebranded as Tropicana and installed with a wave machine and water slides, but by 2000 it had fallen into disrepair and was forced to close. It’s only real moment of excitement in the last 20 years was when Banksy turned it into his depressing ‘bemusement park’ Dismaland in 2015 (pictured below).
However, the future is finally looking brighter for Tropicana. Soon, it could start a new life as a major music venue. On May 12, North Somerset councillors voted to approve a 25-year-lease to global entertainment company Live Nation, which plans to turn Tropicana into a 10,000-capacity event space.
Live Nation already has experience turning a tired seaside destination into a thriving cultural hub. It developed a live music programme for Margate’s Dreamland. Subject to securing planning permission and licensing approval, it’s hoped that the venue will reopen by 2028 to bring a ‘programme of world class live entertainment’. Tickets sold for events at Tropicana will include a ‘restoration levy’ to fund the maintenance of the venue.
Leaders say that the new space will ultimately increase footfall to the town, give local businesses a boost and create more skills and employment opportunities for the community.
Mike Bell, the leader of Somerset Council told the Guardian: ‘Our ambition now is to try and make this into a sustainable, exciting live event space that will survive into the future. I want to see Olivia Dean here. I want to see Dua Lipa. Let’s get some of these big stars here. We’ve just talked about a Eurovision bid, who knows.’
Eddie Kemsley, senior vice president of Boutique Events UK for Live Nation, said: ‘We look forward to working with local businesses, stakeholders and members of the public and community in the coming months to ensure a successful and happy start to this next chapter for the venue.’
ICYMI: This last-of-its-kind lido near London will soon reopen after a major glow-up.
Plus: Take a look at the new 20,000 capacity arena that will transform a major UK city.
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