New 10,000-seater arena could open by 2028

A former seafront lido is set to host a "programme of world class live entertainment" after councillors approved a lease agreement with a new operator.

North Somerset councillors voted to approve a 25-year lease for Live Nation to run the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare during a council meeting on Tuesday.

Under the plans, the entertainment company aims to deliver a programme spanning all genres to audiences of up to 10,000 people. The derelict venue is expected to reopen in 2028.

Council leader, Mike Bell, said: "This decision is great news and a significant step forward in the rebirth of the Tropicana."

The agreement was approved subject to further conditions, including securing planning consent and reaching an operational agreement following completion of a major refurbishment of the building.

North Somerset Council had been awarded a £20m grant from the government to help redevelop key sites in the county, including the Tropicana, Birnbeck Pier and the Marine Lake.

The authority also secured £2.7m of capital funding for the Tropicana from the government's Cultural Development Fund.

The venue, which was built in the 1930s, fell into disrepair after it was closed 26 years ago.

Graffiti artist Banksy transformed the site into his Dismaland amusement park in 2015, but the building has stood vacant since.

North Somerset councillors first met in April to discuss its future and an adjournment was agreed before the historic pre-agreement was made.

Bell said he was "pleased" with the decision.

"It's important councillors considered all the detailed information to make the right decision for the Tropicana, its future and our communities," he said.

He added that he hoped the venue could host events all-year round and increase footfall to the region.

Eddie Kemsley, senior vice president of Boutique Events UK for Live Nation, said: "We look forward to working with local businesses, stakeholders and members of the public and community in the coming months to ensure a successful and happy start to this next chapter for the venue."

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