MORE than half a million pounds of council reserves are being earmarked for an upgrade to Weston’s Tropicana to allow it to host arts and entertainment events.

The seafront pool closed in 1999 and lay empty until August, when Banksy’s Dismaland exhibition opened to worldwide acclaim.

Site owner North Somerset Council is now keen to capitalise on the success of a show estimated to have boosted Weston’s economy by as much as £20million, and is exploring ways to make the building more appealing to other event organisers.

The Mercury reported last week how a council delegation had been on a fact-finding trip to Margate in Kent to cast an eye over Dreamland, a recently-revived theme park mixing retro-style fairground rides and a modern performance space already visited by the likes of Vic Reeves and Marina And The Diamonds.

Now fresh steps are being considered which could enable the Tropicana to host similar events.

On Tuesday, councillors will hear of a plan which provisionally includes covering the outdoor area to protect the former pool while allowing the space to be used, and adding glazing, heating and lighting to the former bowling alley building which served as the Dismaland gallery.

A report by executive councillor David Pasley says: “In August, Banksy’s Dismaland opened on the site and generated worldwide publicity and recognition for Weston.

“The event attracted in the region of 200,000 additional visitors to the town in the five weeks it was open, and contributed an estimated additional £20million to the local economy

“Hosting Dismaland at the site has demonstrated its potential as a venue for arts and entertainment, and established it as such in many people’s minds.

“In light of the previous attempts at development and taking into account such experiences, it is recommended that the council now brings forward a minimum programme of works to allow the opportunity to capitalise on the legacy created by the Dismaland event.

“The event has created significant interest and associated proposals for events at the site and Weston as a whole, which will allow the council an opportunity to establish the role that a vibrant multi-use arts and entertainment venue can play in the wider regeneration proposals for the town as a centre for learning, living and lifestyle.”