Trust call for seaside building

The Tropicana on Weston's seafront has been derelict for years

A public meeting is being held in Weston-super-Mare to call for a charitable trust to take over former leisure complex the Tropicana.

The seafront art deco building has been closed since 2000.

Developer Henry Boot plans to submit a revised application next year for a 90-bed hotel, indoor pool, cinema, bowling alley, restaurants and bars.

Dick Whittington, pushing to create a trust, said he wanted to preserve the town's promenade and bay.

He said the trust would like to take on the development of the building, and would be funded through grants and by running the Tropicana as a business.

But Richard Evans, who represents Henry Boot, said: "There is a legal agreement between Boot and North Somerset Council and in about three weeks' time [we will] go out to public consultation on a fantastic £30m scheme.

"A lot of time, effort and money has been put into this project and we're looking forward to getting out there and showing people what the scheme will look like."

"I think it will be a real bonus for the town."

If Mr Boot's plan goes ahead, the complex is expected to open by spring 2010.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday evening in Weston's Winter Gardens.