WORKS to transform the Weston Old Town Quarry into “a dynamic new hub for culture, creative, and digital enterprise” will start next week, the town council confirmed.
Works to turn the quarry “into a landmark arts, culture and heritage asset” will begin on Monday, October 21.
A spokesperson for the town council said: “The key milestones achieved so far are:
“Submitting and getting full planning permission from North Somerset Council for the refurbishment and renovation work of the two main onsite buildings.
“Completing a range of ecological surveys at the site to make sure that the wildlife residents are well and are being considered in any plans for the Quarry moving forward.
“Successfully transferring the lease from the Quarry site from NSC as the landowners to the Town Council as the site leaseholders, for 35 years.
“Successful procurement of a build contractor to undertake the renovation and refurbishment of the quarry site buildings.
“Setting up and running a wide range of community engagement events to ensure that there is input and feedback from local residents, community groups, voluntary and community organisations and other potential partners and stakeholders.”
Residents in the Hillside ward will be notified by a letter drop before the building work starts so they are aware.
As the quarry will be a closed construction site from October 21, site visits and tours will not be allowed until the build work is complete.
The Old Town Quarry closed to the public at the end of August 2023.
Since then, North Somerset Council, the site owner, has carried out extensive work to make the site safe and ready for renovation.
This has included demolishing the condemned quarry stone crushing plant, clearing the site and carrying out necessary work to fell diseased trees.
On July 22, 2024, Weston super Mare Town Council signed a lease agreement with North Somerset Council which enables the town council to progress with its plans to transform.
The renovation will see a flurry of activity, with major building and refurbishment work planned to start early Autumn.
Among the highlights is the revamp of both main buildings, which are scheduled to reopen by summer 2025.
The quarry is located in South Road, Weston-super-Mare.
For more information see our website https://wsm-tc.gov.uk/our-services/old-town-quarry/
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