Huge new blow for famous but troubled UK seaside town – ‘£6m black hole’

North Somerset Council is reconsidering plans to turn Weston-super-Mare’s derelict Tropicana into a large entertainment venue after a £6.6 million funding shortfall. It is proposing to halve the planned capacity from 10,000 to 5,000, putting the original regeneration ambitions in doubt and leaving Live Nation’s continued commitment uncertain.

The council is considering a 25-year lease with Live Nation, which agreed to operate the venue. A smaller scheme could include an indoor events space, a refurbished promenade building, sea wall repairs and improved facilities and accessibility. Councillors are due to decide on 10 November how much public money to contribute; residents have also raised concerns about transport, parking and the impact on the seafront.