The results of an independent report show the
redevelopment of the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare is not viable
in the current economic climate.
Following a decision by our Executive in September, work
has now been carried out to assess the viability of the site’s
redevelopment. The report, by DTZ, concludes that “this soft market
exercise has not delivered sufficient evidence of any clearly
viable and deliverable “limited form” of development that would
enable the council to proceed with further discussions".
The report was considered by our cross-party Tropicana
Working Group at its meeting today, and a recommendation will now
be made to the Executive on 13 December to demolish the
semi-derelict building.
Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, Deputy Leader and chairman of the Tropicana
Working Group, said: "I am very disappointed that the outcome of
the market testing process is not more positive. I had hoped that a
serious commercial developer would have come forward at the last
minute with a deliverable scheme. I and everyone else were
obviously over-optimistic.
"However, I would like to think that, if the economy recovers,
developers might see this part of the seafront as an ideal spot for
a future leisure attraction, with the advantage of being able to
start with a clean sheet of paper and fresh ideas. If so, I hope we
remain open to do business."
Cllr Tony Lake, executive member for asset management, said:
“This is not the outcome that any of us would have wished for, but
it is one we must accept. If a commercial developer was serious
about the site, it would have happened by now. The reality is that
successive council administrations of various colours have tried to
bring about the regeneration of the Tropicana over the last 11
years, and none have succeeded.
"Continuing deterioration of the site means that it is now
becoming a safety risk and it is likely that the Executive will now
have to go ahead with the decision to demolish when it meets next
month. If so, I hope work will start to remove the building early
in 2012, with a view to opening up the area to beach before the
summer season."
