Surprise final design for new Tropicana

Richard Nightingale has commissioned an extra plan for the regeneration of the former seafront attraction.

The town figure said he got the design drawn up after calls by residents viewing his previous three designs for a more ‘modern approach’.

The proposal by Newcastle-based architects Faulkner Brown is based on an ocean-liner design kitted out with the features of a modern water park.

Inside the oval shaped building would be a water park with a lazy river, leisure pool and rapids rides, plus play equipment.

There would also be cafes, bars and restaurants which would spill out on to outside sun decks for scenic views.

Outside would be another pool along with sun loungers for when the weather is good.

In a statement, a spokesman for the architects said: “It is envisaged that, when complete, the mix of features will rank Tropicana in the top five water parks in the country.

“It will play a major role in the regeneration of the tourist industry in Weston and provide an unrivalled entertainment venue.”

Last week the Mercury told how Mr Nightingale was surprised by ‘overwhelming’ support for a modernistic rebuild. He said the majority of the 6,527 people who have viewed his three designs so far wanted to see a more progressive design.

He said: “It was quite clear to me talking to residents that a lot of people prefer a more modern design, but we only had one really to choose from when looking at my ideas. I hope this offers more of a choice and I look forward to hearing feedback from residents.”

The design will go on display at Nightingale Property Sales & Letting in Station Road from 10am-4pm on October 14.

People will then have four weeks to vote on their favourite, before one is chosen by Mr Nightingale to propose for the regeneration of the site.

Mr Nightingale and rival bidder Havard Tisdale both cleared the first hurdle of the development tendering process set by site owner North Somerset Council last week.