The Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare, once a shimmering art deco lido, is set to be transformed into a year-round event space, marking a significant shift in the town's fortunes. This move, supported by North Somerset councillors, aims to attract global stars and boost the local economy. The project, involving a 25-year lease to Live Nation, promises to bring a much-needed revival to the town, addressing the stark reality of deprivation and economic struggle. The proposal draws inspiration from the success of Dreamland in Margate, where Live Nation's intervention revitalized a failing theme park into a thriving cultural hub. The Tropicana's potential to become a sustainable live event space is seen as a catalyst for economic growth and a departure from the town's declining Victorian resort image. This transformation is not just about the physical renovation but also about reshaping the town's perception and attracting high-end investments. The town's residents, like Rose Swann and Adele Stitch, eagerly anticipate the positive impact on the local economy and the cultural vibrancy it will bring. The question remains: can this ambitious project truly 'build it and they will come' for Weston-super-Mare?
