Live Nation proposed as operator for Weston-super-Mare's Tropicana
North Somerset Council will vote on the proposal later this month, after naming Live Nation as its top choice to manage the 1930s landmark
Live Nation is set to run the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare as a major 10,000-person capacity events venue.
The world’s largest live entertainment company has been announced as North Somerset Council’s preferred operator to take over the iconic 1930s former lido-turned-venue after a lengthy procurement process. Councillors will vote on confirming the appointment at their full council meeting on Tuesday April 21.
The report going before councillors said: “Live Nation see the Tropicana as a major opportunity for themselves and Weston, with plans to create a year-round concerts and entertainment programme catering to a wide range of audiences.”
It added: “Delivery of a commercially successful culture and entertainment venue at the Tropicana would significantly raise the profile of the town, boost the local economy and support the delivery of the corporate plan priority to create a thriving and sustainable place.”
If approved, Live Nation will sign a lease to manage the Tropicana for the next 25 years following the major ongoing refurbishment. It is expected to reopen in 2028.
But the cost of the projects have also risen, with councillors also being asked to approve another £6m for anti-terror and energy works, required by new legislation, and costs arising from inflation. The money will be funded by borrowing supported by future income from the venue.
After closing as a pool in 2000, the Tropicana stood vacant for years until Banksy used it as the setting for his Dismaland bemusement park in 2015. Since then, North Somerset Council has run the Tropicana as an events space for hire, attracting approximately 40,000–50,000 people a year.
But the building never covered its costs and was in dire need of repair. In 2023, North Somerset Council won Levelling Up funding from the government to turn it into a major “nationally significant” venue.
Council cabinet member MIke Solomon said: “If council approve, we are thrilled to secure an experienced operator to run the Tropicana which has been one of our key priorities. This is yet another key project going from strength to strength that North Somerset Council is delivering for residents and the wider North Somerset community, along with Birnbeck Pier, Grove Park, Banwell bypass, Portishead to Bristol rail and confirms our continuing commitment to investment in North Somerset.
“The benefits of this appointment are substantial including economic growth, a wide range of events and cultural experiences for residents, and all that the increased national profile will bring to the area. This news gives a strong signal of confidence to investors — North Somerset is open for growing businesses and is the place to invest.”
The current work underway at the Tropicana, which saw the current 1980s event space demolished last month, have been focussed on turning it into a venue with a capacity of 5,000. Live Nation’s plans to run it as a 10,000-capacity venue are expected to mean new proposals will have to go through the planning permission process.