North Somerset Council is seeking new operators for the Tropicana venue, which recently hosted the Unboxed Festival‘s SEE MONSTER, and Banksy’s Dismaland.

The search for a new operator follows the Council receiving a £20 million grant from the Government’s Levelling up Fund, £8m of which is earmarked for the Tropicana.

Last year the venue, a former lido located on Weston-super-Mare seafront, hosted SEE MONSTER – a North Sea platform that was transformed into a weather-focused installation. Dismaland, a temporary art project organised by Banksy, was opened for 36 days in 2015.

The council’s grant will be used to restore and renovate the facility, making the outdoor space more useable and increasing the capacity of the venue for a range of uses.

North Somerset Council executive member for Placemaking and Growth, Mark Canniford, said, “We are looking for organisations with the vision to make the Tropicana the world-class venue we know it can be. Dismaland and SEE MONSTER have shown us what can be done and with the benefit of the Levelling Up investment and the right operator, the future of the Tropicana is looking bright.

“Expressions of interest must offer high-quality, diverse, year-round entertainment to attract residents and visitors and complement the Super Weston Placemaking Strategy. We are keen to engage with potential partners with a realistic and sustainable plan for the venue.”

Interested parties can submit their expression of interest by 30 April. For further information contact superweston@n-somerset.gov.uk.