WESTON residents are invited to have their say on the early-stage designs proposed to transform the Tropicana.

Architecture practice RCKa, appointed by North Somerset Council to transform the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare, is inviting residents to find out more about the proposed designs for the building at two events next month.

RCKa will hold two drop-in events at the iconic seafront building on Friday 13 September (evening) and Saturday 14 September (daytime).

The Tropicana has played host to notable events and celebrities since it opened in 1937, and the proposed works will enhance existing facilities, boost capacity and restore the venue’s status as a nationally renowned, multi-use entertainment space, thanks to the council’s successful £20m funding bid from the UK government.

Visitors to the events will be able to view early-stage designs and meet members of the RCKa design team, find out more about the improvement programme in Weston, and share memories, stories and experiences of the Tropicana to contribute to a social history project being led by local artists.

These events are part of a series of engagement activities being held by RCKa to give local people, community groups and organisations the opportunity to get involved and contribute to the proposed designs.

Councillor Mike Solomon, the council's executive member responsible for seafronts, and investment including the Tropicana, said: “We’re focussing the programme of investment on delivering maximum impact at several high-profile sites across Weston’s town centre and seafront.

“This will help reinvent iconic heritage buildings, support local businesses, create new jobs, and deliver a year-round experience-led economy for the future.

“The council is about to launch a campaign to attract a new operator for the Tropicana and focussing on this fantastic site’s future viability is central to the design and investment choices, and one of the reasons that we chose RCKa as our preferred supplier for this important project. I urge people to come along and get involved in these events.”

Dieter Kleiner, director at RCKa, said: “RCKa is incredibly proud to be appointed to help shape the next chapter in the Tropicana’s rich social history.

“It has played a significant part in thousands of lives and, together with North Somerset Council, we are working to secure its future by providing new flexible event facilities and refurbished heritage assets, and to restore the Trop as a cultural destination of national importance.

“We want to encourage everyone to come along and share their personal stories, to contribute their thoughts on the work that's been done to date, and to help shape a positive future for this iconic venue.”

More information and event timings will soon be published on the council’s social media channels and website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/tropicana.

The Tropicana is one of several high-profile sites across Weston’s town centre and seafront set to be improved.

Other sites include Birnbeck Pier, Grove Park, Marine Lake and shops on the High Street. Find out more at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/improvingweston.