Redevelopment of the Tropicana Keywords Coastal Resort Planning Beach Geomorphology Waterside Development Flooding & Risk Assessment Shoreline Protection Environmental Impact Assessment Water Quality Ecology Client, Architect & Other Organisations Buro Happold Consulting Engineers MACE Scott Brownrigg & Turner Casella Environmental Consultants

The existing facade

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 Edenvale Young Associates 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.  This was highlighted in 1981 when The Tropicana was flooded. 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.  Mitigation measures included: Raising the level of the foundations to mitigate the effects of wave slam against the glazed façade. Raising and re-profiling the existing sea defences either side of the structure including the incorporation of drainage structures. Profiling of the landform elevations to the rear of the building to prevent to prevent flooding by out-flanking and shed water back to the sea. (Islandisation) The installation of flood gates and flood alarm systems at the entrance and exit to the basement car park. The instigation of an emergency evacuation procedure based upon storm surge warnings issued by the UK Met Office. The development of safe flood evacuation routes The Tropicana also lies within an SSSI, Ramsar site and an SAC.  Conservation issues were therefore critical to the viability of the scheme. Edenvale Young Associates were involved in the development of the geomorphological and water quality sections of the Environmental Impact Assessment.