Weston-super-Mare's much-loved Old Town Quarry will reopen its gates on Saturday 25th October (10am–3pm) with a vibrant day of celebration to launch a week of creativity, culture, and community.
The event will officially open at 10.30am, when the Mayor of Weston-super-Mare will lead a special ceremony to mark this exciting new chapter in the Old Town Quarry's story.
A Day Full of Activities
Visitors can look forward to a lively programme that reflects the Old Town Quarry's unique blend of heritage, creativity, and community spirit, including:
- Live music performances
- Family activities with Mendip Activity Centre
- Creative workshops hosted by Weston Artspace
- Open artist studios, where resident artists will create and showcase their work
- Community and nature stalls from groups such as the RSPB, Avon Wildlife Trust, and The Front Room Theatre
New Facilities and Opportunities
The reopening also unveils exciting new facilities at the Old Town Quarry:
- A welcoming café run by The Food Hub (WSM)
- Freshly renovated artist studios
- A permanent new home for Weston Artspace
- A dedicated Learning Hub for workshops, talks, and community events
From the reopening onwards, the Old Town Quarry will be available to book for creative, learning, cultural, and community activities, offering residents and visitors a place to connect, learn, and be inspired.
Community-Led Transformation
Cllr Ciaran Cronnelly, Leader of the Council, said:
"The reopening of the Old Town Quarry reflects the hard work and ideas of the community, who have helped shape its future through countless engagement sessions. What makes this project special is its asset-based approach – building on the creativity, skills and passions that already exist within Weston. Run by the community, the Old Town Quarry will remain a place that celebrates heritage, nature, and the arts. We are delighted to be able to support the community in its running, and Weston-super-Mare Town Council is proud to have supported this journey. The Old Town Quarry will once again be a space where residents and visitors can come together, lead, create, and enjoy all that it has to offer."
Cllr Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Open Spaces, said: "It's great to see the Old Town Quarry reopening. This project is the culmination of the two councils working in partnership to deliver a shared vision and investment package. It follows our work to demolish the condemned quarry stone crushing plant in 2023 and then transfer the site to the town council in 2024. This has ensured that the site remains in public ownership and has given greater control to local communities to shape the site's longterm future as a treasured cultural gem for the town."
A Major Investment in Weston's Future
This reopening is made possible thanks to a £700,000 grant from the UK Government's Community Ownership Fund, alongside a further £200,000 investment from Weston-super-Mare Town Council. In addition, Weston Artspace's premises were funded with thanks to £40,000 from Arts Council England through the West of England Mayoral Authority's Culture West programme.
On 22nd July 2024, the Town Council signed a 35-year lease with North Somerset Council, securing the Old Town Quarry's future as a landmark arts, culture, and heritage hub for Weston-super-Mare. The funding supports extensive refurbishment works and ensures the Old Town Quarry thrives for generations to come.
Event Details
- Saturday 25th October
- 10am – 3pm (Opening ceremony at 10.30am)
- Old Town Quarry, South Road, Weston-super-Mare
For updates, follow us on Old Town Quarry Facebook page.
For more information, please contact wsmcomms@wsm-tc.gov.uk