Demolishing Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare 'not an option'

Demolishing the entire Tropicana swimming pool in Weston-super-Mare is 'not an option' after the developer behind a multimillion scheme to transform it pulled out.

North Somerset Council released a statement on Friday evening saying the deal with Sheffield-based developer Henry Boot had fallen through.

It followed three years of negotiations but now it looks as through the authority is back to square one, with no alternative proposals in the pipeline.

The complex has been closed since 2000, and some parts of the building are not structurally sound and may require demolition.

But the council's deputy leader has insisted a complete demolition is not on the cards and has urged other interested parties to come forward.

Councillor Elfan Ap Rees said: "It is a prime seafront leisure site and I'm sure someone will be interested.

"Demolishing it completely is not an option at this stage, although some of the buildings are decaying and will probably need demolition, but the frontage is probably still useable.

"We want to refurbish the frontage and do what we can economically to make use of the site pending further investment.

"I would like to see the cafe and shop in use by the summer season next year."

He added: "I'm sure some elements of the Henry Boot scheme, such as the bowling alley, cinema and hotel, could relocate elsewhere, such as Dolphin Square.

"We are open to constructive ideas and would welcome talks with people who think they have a commercially thought out proposal, but with the understanding the council is very unlikely to be able to invest any of its own money.

"If residents feel they have the backing and funds to take it on, we are open to suggestions."

Henry Boot's scheme had attracted fierce opposition from various campaign groups including Trada (the Tropicana Regeneration and Development Association).

The group was established as a charitable trust aimed at taking on the pool's redevelopment with plans to run it solely as a pool complex.

It is still keen to become involved in the Tropicana.

Trada chairman Dick Whittington said: "I will be giving a talk on the Tropicana tomorrow to the Weston Pensioners' Association, in the United Reformed Church, at 2pm.

"Anyone interested in supporting Trada can call me on 01934 621778."

Friends Of Our Tropicana (Foot) group was also against Henry Boot's plans, saying the complex is too large for the site and should be built elsewhere.

It now plans to regroup on November 23 to discuss the situation.

Secretary Sonya Ruse said: "A pool is all anyone has ever wanted at Tropicana yet the council has denied it and ignored a petition."