Weston-super-Mare is gearing up for a major transformation to shed its bad reputation and attract visitors once again
Weston-super-Mare: This seaside town is getting a big makeover. It’s been called one of the worst holiday spots in the UK. But that’s about to change!
Residents are excited about the new plans. The town has a rich history, even being the childhood home of John Cleese. Remember Fawlty Towers? That’s him!
In 2023, Which? named Weston-super-Mare one of the worst seaside towns. But the locals are hopeful. They want to turn things around.
Remember Dismaland? Banksy created that in Weston back in 2015. It showed how much the town needed help. Now, there’s a £20 million plan to revitalize it.
The town council is working on a 10-year strategy. They want to reopen the famous pier, closed for 30 years. That’s a big deal!
Warren Parker-Mills, the tourism manager, has big dreams. He envisions little pockets of trendy areas like Shoreditch popping up in Weston.
There’s also a new waterpark opening this summer. Plus, the existing Water Adventure & Play Park is getting a facelift.
Birnbeck Pier, which has been closed since 1994, is also on the list for a £10 million revamp. It’s the only pier in the UK that connects the mainland to an island.
They’re even thinking about turning the Old Town Quarry into an event space. Imagine hosting an opera or ballet there!
And how about a weekly market at the Italian Gardens? Sounds fun, right?
For the empty shops, they have creative ideas. Why not get artists to paint the insides of the windows? A greengrocer or a barbershop could look great!
Weston-super-Mare sits on the Severn Estuary. It has the second-highest tidal range in the world. Once a small village, it grew into a popular resort.
But like many seaside towns, it lost its charm in the late 20th century. It used to be a Victorian hotspot for healing waters.
The Royal Hotel, built between 1807 and 1810, was the first hotel in Weston. Fun fact: The Beatles stayed there during their concerts in 1963!