Weston Town Council has joined forces with The Stable in a bid to secure the future of the Old Town Quarry.

The Old Town Quarry is a historic and natural beauty spot in Weston.

Abandoned more than half a century ago as a working quarry, it has been carefully looked after by Weston Civic Society.

A café, events arena, artist studios and working forge have created the visitor attraction in South Road, set within a tranquil environment of natural beauty and wildlife.

As the lease is now coming to its end, the civic society feels the time is right to seek new ideas for the quarry’s future and a provisional agreement has been reached between officers of the town council, North Somerset Council and Jemma Coles at The Stable to work together to ensure the venue’s long-term future.

Town clerk Malcolm Nicholson said: "The Old Town Quarry is a lovely arts and cultural centre for the people of Weston and we are working to secure its long term future for people to enjoy."

Approval to take this forward was agreed by town councillors at a meeting on Monday.

The authority's planning and finance committee recommend the town council to acquire the Quarry on a 35-year lease. This is as well as approving the agreed heads of terms for the lease, to authorise the negotiation of a sublease of part of the premises to The Stable, as well as to start discussions with the individual occupiers of the site on the terms of their occupation by documenting their agreements in writing and reassuring them they will all be staying, with some minor adjustments to the premises.

It is hoped that live events will make full use of the amphitheatre grass area, with the café remaining part of the site.

John Crockford-Hawley, chairman of the town council’s heritage arts and culture committee and North Somerset Council’s heritage and regeneration champion, said: “The quarry has become a key part of the town’s vibrant arts community over many years and the time is now right to consider its next phase."

The natural environment will also be taken care of by the town council's grounds team who look after the grounds and trees at Milton Road Cemetery and the recently taken on Ellenborough Park West.

Jemma Coles from The Stable said: "We are super excited to be part of this, and to be able to work with the town council to deliver on such a great community project."

Cllr Mark Canniford, executive member for business, economy and employment at North Somerset, added: “We’re looking forward to working with the town council and seeing future events and activities develop at this cultural, events and arts hub.”