Operator for the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare

Description

North Somerset Council (NSC) is seeking to procure, by way of a concession, an experienced and successful venue operator to manage the redeveloped Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare. NSC is seeking a long-term operator to lease the site following a major refurbishment project under a 20+ year lease. The Tropicana is uniquely located on the beach at Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1BE. The Tropicana is an iconic landmark in Weston-super-Mare, currently operated by the council; hosting over 100 events a year and attracting 50,000 people in the indoor gallery and outdoor arena. The venue most recently hosted internationally acclaimed art installations Banksy's Dismaland and the SEEMONSTER. Following funding from the UK government, the refurbishment project will increase the whole site's capacity to over 5,000; rebuild a new highly flexible, purpose-built indoor event space with a minimum capacity of 1,000; introduce sustainable energy and operating systems and make major repairs and improvements to the heritage promenade building and outdoor arena. Designs by award winning architecture firm RCKa will be submitted for planning approval in October 2024. The Council has also recently applied for an additional capital grant from the Arts Council of £2m capital and £700k revenue to contribute to cultural activity on site, should it be successful. The new operator will have significant experience in operating successful entertainment venues to provide an exciting programme of year-round entertainment in the newly refurbished venue to attract visitors to the seafront and help raise the profile of Weston-super-Mare as an ideal town to live, visit, work and invest. The Concession Contracts Regulations 2016 ("CCR") apply to this contract. This tender opportunity is available on the Supplying the South West procurement portal at https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk/