Tropicana Redevelopment in Weston-super-Mare Could Still be On The Cards

PLANS for the Tropicana still remain on the table should North Somerset Council want to hold urgent talks with the proposed developer.

Richard Nightingale, of Weston based the Nightingale Group, pulled out of the Tropicana’s development last week saying he could not reach an agreement with the council over parking.

He claims the council rejected his proposal outright, which called for yellow parking lines to be lifted in the area and additional parking to be allowed on the beach.

Instead he says councillors were insisting he build a multi storey car park on the beach, which he does not believe residents would want.

Mr Nightingale says to have come so far and for the scheme not to progress would be a loss to the resort and he has hinted there is still glimmer of hope.

He said: “Sadly since the rejection of our proposals and therefore the forced withdraw of our plans last week, the council have not chosen to call us. 

“Unfortunately we had to learn about the setting up of a task force, through the local media, once again this was never offered to us prior to this.

“Of course we have had extensive meetings, with the council, regarding the whole scheme, including parking, over the last fourteen months.

“We were faced with so many obstacles, including the council’s insistence on a multi storey car park on the beach or beach lawns; we felt the only way forward was to set a deadline for them to finish considering the project.

“We extended and re extended this deadline to allow for more discussions, before the council choice to reject our scheme. 

“We were very well aware that we carried the hopes and dreams of the whole community on our shoulders, and I apologise to residents that we were not able to convince the council of the merits of our proposals.

“However I can assure everyone that no one could have worked harder and been more committed to the Tropicana development, and I am very sorry the council has chosen to insinuate otherwise.

“However our plans, though rejected, still remain on the table, should the council choose to reconsider.”

North Somerset Council says it too would welcome further discussions with Mr Nightingale though it remains adamant car parking issues had not been addressed.

Dawn Parry, west area committee member, said: “As a council we do believe Mr Nightingale was sincere in his approach.

“Of course North Somerset Council would welcome further negotiations with Mr Nightingale and what is better than to have someone who is local.

“Mr Nightingale suddenly dropping his plans came as a huge shock as the council had been trying to set up meetings with his for the past four weeks.

“Even as recently as March 14, he was urged to meet with us to set up a task force, as this was the approach used for the Grand Pier.

“He would have to put some parking in but we didn’t even get as far as holding a meeting for discussions about parking levels.

“The scheme was due to come before the next area committee meeting but obviously that will not happen now he has pulled out.

“It is not about us being difficult but this scheme is proposed in a residential area where there is a shortage of parking.

“It is too expensive for North Somerset Council to do and we have to protect the tax payer’s purse.”

Last week the Evening Post asked residents in the town what they thought should happen with the Tropicana with many calling for it to be demolished.

Weston MP John Penrose said: “We have got to a point with The Tropicana where we build it up or knock it down because quite frankly the people of Weston are fed up of waiting for a solution.

“If anyone out there can make it work as a pool, as that’s what the people want, call me or the council.”

One resident who says he would be prepared to “put his money where his mouth is and develop it” is businessman Brian Jones, who claims to have tried in the past.

He said the council have his number and should call him if they are interested.

Mr Jones said: “Four times in the last 32-years I have gone to the head of this project to try and get projects there.

“I would go in there turn around the facade, open the shop units put in a splash pool and a 3ft deep pool and make it available for the winter as well.”