Weston-super-Mare's "Carrot" to become visitor information centre
It's set to have a small transformation to it.
Last updated 25th Apr 2025
Weston-super-Mare’s oft-derided Carrot is being transformed into a new visitor information space for the town.
Officially called Silica but known almost universally in Weston as the Carrot, the public artwork was installed on Big Lamp Corner in the town centre in 2006. It is intended to represent a drop of liquid about to hit the pavement, but its ground floor space is currently a disused bus shelter.
Now a £40,000 project will see the sculpture thoroughly cleaned and the bus shelter enclosed. Instead display screens will be installed to provide people with the latest information about what events, community projects and local businesses around town.
North Somerset Council is funding the six week project which began on Wednesday (April 23) but, once complete, its aim is for Weston-super-Mare Town Council to lease the ground floor for its Visit Weston service. North Somerset Council will continue to maintain the upper level of the artwork with its multicoloured lighting.
Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s executive member for placemaking and economy, said: “I’m delighted to see that by working in partnership with Weston-super-Mare Town Council, we’ve identified an effective and viable use for the Silica.
“I’m sure as a visitor information space, it will help to provide valuable community information to support residents and visitors alike. I know local businesses are really positive and supportive of these plans too, which is great.”
The council previously spent £95,000 in 2022 to install the current colour changing lights on the sculpture, replacing 250 single colour bulbs.