A super 20 million pounds Levelling Up investment
We are beyond excited to share the news that Weston is set to benefit from a £20 million investment from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, following a successful bid by North Somerset Council as part of the authority’s ambitious placemaking vision for the town.
£20m coming to the seafront and high-street
The investment will be used to focus on several high-profile sites across Weston’s town centre and seafront, transforming the culture, leisure and retail experience for residents, business, and visitors.
The sites set to receive investment include:
Building on the international profile raised by the SEE MONSTER project, the Tropicana will see significant enhancements and expansion to the events space, to create an exciting 8,000 capacity space, along with investment in the food and drink facilities.
Continued investment in this fabulous asset by sensitively developing year-round facilities for food, drink, and leisure, building on the trend for outdoor swimming, which will have significant benefits for residents and visitors alike.
Create more flexible spaces to attract independent high-quality retail and other uses including the refurbishment of six high street units to bring them back into use. Investment will be made in digital and creative wayfinding and signage, encouraging people to come into the town centre off the seafront to discover some of its hidden treasures.
This funding will be used to improve buildings at the shore end of Birnbeck Pier, bringing them back into use. This will complement the funding already attracted to improve the pier structure itself.
Improving the entrance and various enhancements to this beautiful town centre green space.
Cllr Mark Canniford, Executive Member for Placemaking and Growth at North Somerset Council said:
“This additional funding is an extremely welcome boost to Weston, helping to increase footfall and spending, and turning local sites into must-visit destinations. These projects will bring further momentum to already changing perceptions, attract further investment, and create a positive cycle of ongoing change and reinvention.
“This bid has emerged from strong partnerships forged through the creation of the Weston Placemaking Strategy, a ten-year vision for Weston’s renewal. The investment will make a significant difference to residents, independent businesses, and Weston’s economy, and I look forward to work starting on all these projects as soon as possible.
“We are a council that listens and prioritises action on the things that are really important to local people. We are ambitious for Weston and North Somerset and are determined to deliver long-term investment that will make the town a great place to live, learn, work and play.”
Weston’s placemaking vision is focused on the themes of living, learning and lifestyle, with plans to attract more people to live in the in the town centre creating a lively university town which will further improve the local economy.
The funding will be instrumental in helping reinvent iconic heritage buildings, support local businesses, create new jobs, and deliver a year-round experience-led economy for the future.
The money is awarded from a £4.8 billion Government fund that aims to improve everyday life across the UK.
