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Progress with the Tropicana operator search to be discussed

10:00am - 10 June 2025
Overhead view of Tropicana at night

The next steps in North Somerset Council’s procurement of an experienced venue operator to lease the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare are set to be considered on Wednesday 18 June.

The council’s Cabinet will discuss recommendations to award a contract for 25 years following the delivery of major refurbishment of the Tropicana. This follows the approval of a planning application last month (May 2025).

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council's cabinet member responsible for seafronts, and investment in the Tropicana, said: “We’ve been working hard on this complex procurement. As part of this thorough process, which included an open tender that launched in September 2024, Cabinet members will now discuss an update report with a view to progressing towards the appointment of a preferred operator.

“Due to commercial sensitivities and legal constraints, the name of the preferred operator must be redacted from the papers and will not be discussed in the public meeting. If approval is given, procurement and legal processes will then continue. We hope to be in a position to announce a chosen operator later in the summer, once final details have been concluded.

"This is an exciting step forward for the Tropicana, a much-loved and important destination at the heart of Weston’s seafront. This project is extremely exciting, not just for the town and local residents but for North Somerset and beyond.”

Construction work is due to start this summer (2025) and be completed by next summer (2026). The appointed venue operator would complete their fit out and reopen the Tropicana shortly afterwards.

The Tropicana is one of several high-profile sites across Weston’s town centre and seafront set to be improved as part of a programme of work made possible thanks to North Somerset Council’s successful bid for £20m investment from the UK government. Other sites include Birnbeck Pier, Grove Park, Marine Lake and High Street shops. This funding is provided specifically for this project and can’t be used by the council for any other purpose such as adult social care, children’s services or highway maintenance.

More information about the project can be found on the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/tropicana.