Coastal and Shoreline Engineering
Redevelopment Of The Tropicana
Keywords: Coastal Resort Planning, Beach Geomorphology, Waterside Development, Flooding & Risk Assessment, Shoreline Protection, Environmental Impact, Assessment Water Quality Ecology.
Client & Other Organisations
Buro Happold Consulting Engineers
MACE
Scott Brownrigg & Turner (Architects)
Casella Environmental Consultants
Powys County Council
Description
The Tropicana at Weston Super-Mare was a popular attraction for holiday makers between the 1930s and 1970s featuring an open air lido and an impressive diving board. However, changing patterns of tourism and the expectations of the public meant that the Tropicana became less well used until it was closed and abandoned to the elements in about 1990.
Several attempts were made by developers to gain planning permission but changes to both planning and environmental legislation frustrated the process. MACE acquired the site in 1995 appointing Scott Brownrigg and Turner to development the architecture of the replacement Tropicana as a swimming pool, cinema and health spa. Buro Happold and JYA Ltd (now Edenvale Young) were appointed in 2002 to undertake the structural and marine engineering respectively.
Scope of work
In terms of the marine engineering there were several major issues to address. To the rear of the site the developers proposed an underground car park to the building. Flooding of the basement car park and the building due to waves overtopping the sea wall in storm conditions was particularly important in relation to the safety of the general public. In accordance with PPG25 (Flood Risk) an assessment was prepared to evaluate the risk of flooding and analyse the danger to the general public and the staff of the Tropicana.