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This marks the return of a key community facility following a temporary closure to allow for major improvements through the Improving Weston programme.
The café space occupies a prime south‑facing position within the park - a Grade II registered Victorian green space featuring a traditional bandstand, war memorial, children’s play area, ponds, rock gardens, and the much‑loved Jill’s Garden created in memory of Jill Dando.
Grove Park also hosts a wide range of community events. These have previously included: Pride, Festival of Eid, community summer picnics, free bandstand concerts and the GLOW Festival of Light, making it a great location within a passionate community.
The park has a well-established and active volunteer group that undertake a wide range of activities to support this extremely popular area.
Improving Weston: major enhancement works now nearing completion
Thanks to a successful £20m bid from the UK Government, Grove Park is one of North Somerset Council’s Improving Weston projects. The aim of the project is to encourage more people to enjoy this beautiful green space from the town centre, increasing footfall and helping to support local businesses.
The programme has delivered:
- A redesigned main entrance, with new planting, seating, a sustainable drainage system, resurfacing and improved signage
- Removal of the old public toilet block and construction of a new accessible toilet and baby‑changing facility located back inside the park near the café
- New cycle racks to support greener travel
The first phase of work has been completed, with planting and re‑seeding scheduled throughout March. Final works are due to complete by the start of April.
A unique long-term business opportunity
The council is looking for an operator who aligns with its values around sustainability, inclusivity and supporting the local economy. Ideal applicants will:
- Offer high‑quality food and drink
- Have strong environmental and social values
- Prioritise local suppliers, employees and produce
- Provide an inclusive offer catering to cultural, religious and dietary needs
The café building offers an open‑plan blank canvas, with external storage and an outdoor seating area, ready to be shaped into a destination venue welcoming residents, visitors and park users.
Councillor Mike Solomon, the council’s cabinet member responsible for parks and open spaces, said: “Grove Park is one of Weston’s most loved green spaces, and this long‑term lease presents a brilliant opportunity for a creative operator to become part of its future. With improvement works completing and the café ready to be brought back to life, now is the perfect time to join us in helping the park thrive for years to come.”
How to apply
The concession opportunity is now live as of today (19 March 2026) on the Supplying the South West procurement portal: www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk
Applicants must register on the portal to bid. Deadline for applications: Thursday 16 April 2026.
Bidder support is available from ProActis at: ProContractSuppliers@proactis.com
A detailed inspection report and schedule of works are included in the tender documents. Site visits can also be arranged by emailing: concessions@n-somerset.gov.uk