Dismaland’s Seaside Town Aims for Shoreditch-on-Sea Revival

Weston-super-Mare is on a mission to transform into a vibrant seaside hub

Dismaland’s Seaside Town Aims for Shoreditch-on-Sea Revival
Dismaland’s Seaside Town Aims for Shoreditch-on-Sea Revival

Weston-super-Mare: This seaside town is trying to shake off its old image. Some folks call it ‘Weston-super-Mould’, but it’s got big dreams. Remember when Banksy set up his ‘Dismaland’ art exhibit here? That put the town on the map, but now the council wants to turn it into a lively spot like Shoreditch.

People have great memories of visiting Weston for holidays. The council thinks it can create ‘little pockets of Shoreditch’ around town. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, though. In summer, the beach is packed, but in winter, it can feel deserted. I grew up in a seaside town, so I get that vibe. In the summer, it’s buzzing, but come winter, it can feel like a ghost town.

So, what’s Weston like in the winter? I decided to check it out on a chilly January morning. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as quiet as I expected. The Sovereign Shopping Centre and High Street had plenty of visitors. The Grand Pier wasn’t packed, but they were filming for an Apple TV series, and I even saw some older guys having a blast on the ‘Freefall’ drop tower.

There’s some cool stuff happening, like outdoor art galleries popping up everywhere. I loved the murals and the beautiful Italian Gardens. But then I saw a row of empty shops on South Parade, which was a bit sad. It’s tough out there for many High Streets in the UK, and Weston is no exception.

Warren Parker-Mills, the town’s Tourism Manager, is super passionate about Weston. He’s got a background in branding and is all about making Weston a marketable place. He knows not everyone is a fan, though. If you look up Weston on YouTube, you’ll find some pretty harsh critiques.

It’s easier to make negative content than positive, right? But the Town Council seems focused on planting seeds for a better future. When I mentioned the empty shops, Warren had loads of ideas. They’re planning a weekly market at the Italian Gardens, hoping some stallholders might even open shops on South Parade.

They’re also thinking about using the town’s arts scene to fill those empty spaces with creativity. Imagine artists painting shop fronts to make them look lively! Plus, there are plans for a new waterpark and revitalizing Birnbeck Pier. They want to turn the Old Town Quarry into a performance space for all kinds of events.

Warren shared that the ‘Super Weston’ strategy is a ten-year plan for renewal, shaped by input from over 5,000 residents. They want to create a vibrant arts and culture scene. The council even secured £2.7 million for improvements to the Tropicana, a well-known building on the seafront.

Warren has a vision of Weston having its own little Shoreditch vibes. I’m not sure if that’s realistic, but it’s an interesting thought. Weston has its perks, like affordable housing and the beautiful sea, which London can’t compete with.

With all these ideas, I was curious about Weston’s identity. What’s its brand? Warren admitted it’s a work in progress. He’s optimistic, though, and told me to check back next year for updates. For now, Weston seems full of potential, with lots of possibilities ahead.

Image Credits and Reference: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/dismaland-seaside-town-ambitions-shoreditch-9872990
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Xavier Marlega is a dedicated journalist with a knack for exploring current events and social issues, always providing meaningful insights in his work.