Old Town Quarry
On 22nd July 2024 Weston Town Council signed a lease agreement with North Somerset Council which enables it to progress with its plans. These include:
Renovation and Safety Enhancements
Following constructive dialogues with the previous occupants and the local communities, the Town Council is set to initiate a comprehensive programme of renovation and safety improvements. This will focus on the buildings and areas within the new lease boundary of the site, excluding the quarry rock face. This will remain untouched to preserve its natural state and will remain the responsibility of North Somerset Council.
The Town Council has been awarded a grant of almost £700k from the UK government’s Community Ownership Fund, with an additional £200k from Weston Town Council reflecting confidence in its vision for the Quarry’s future. This funding will support the extensive refurbishment required to reopen the site to the public and sustain its legacy for generations to come.
The Old Town Quarry closed to the public at the end of August 2023. Since then, North Somerset Council, the site owner, has carried out extensive work to make the site safe and ready for renovation. This has included demolishing the condemned quarry stone crushing plant, clearing the site and carrying out necessary work to fell diseased trees.
Exciting Developments Ahead
The renovation will see a flurry of activity, with major building and refurbishment work planned to start early Autumn. Among the highlights is the revamp of both main buildings, which are scheduled to reopen by summer 2025.
Quarry Project Update
Weston Town Council signed the lease agreement with North Somerset Council
A New Chapter for Old Town Quarry: Safety, Sustainability, and [...]
Arts and Culture
As we look to the future the Quarry will host a programme of community lead events. If you have would like to get involved please contact development@wsm-tc.gov.uk
In the past the Quarry has been home to many events, including outdoor Cinema, Halloween events, Comedy and live music.
History
The Town Quarry provided most of the stone for the extensive building developments of the 19th century. A nature trail leaflet gives more details of the wildlife that can be found –Leaflet-Town Quarry
The video below is from the annual town meeting May 2024.
Nature and Environment
Protecting Our Natural Heritage
Understanding the ecological significance of the Quarry, the Town Council has commissioned expert surveys to ensure that the wildlife is protected throughout renovation efforts.
These include:
– An arboriculture impact assessment by local tree experts to preserve wooded areas.
– Assessments by local ecological consultants focusing on bats and breeding birds—including the much-loved Ravens and Peregrine Falcons.
– Structural evaluations by chartered building surveyors to ensure the integrity and safety of the site’s infrastructure.
This work builds upon previous ecological surveys conducted by North Somerset Council, including a bat survey before the recent building demolition work.
Plant life is a mixture of wild species and ‘escapes’ from gardens. Birds include garden and woodland species as well as those that haunt cliff faces.
We have commissioned several surveys of the site to better understand the habitats, including an arboriculture survey, a ecological survey, a building and structure survey, a bat survey and we have also had peregrine falcon experts visit the site to offer advice. These surveys have identified certain obligations we have to follow, particularly surrounding the roosting and hibernation patterns of the local wildlife. We will ensure any works are done sensitively.
Working with a local naturalist and lepidopterist we have identified in addition to the falcons, sometimes Ravens nest on the cliffs which enclose the Quarry. In the grassy area beyond the entrance to the blacksmith’s former site there is a colony of the Ringlet butterfly which we will conserve. In addition Wych elms around the car park are believed to host the White letter hairstreak butterfly. The protection of all wildlife will be a priority to ensure there is no loss of important participants int the eco system at the site.
Quarry Conversations
Get Involved: Quarry Conversations
We are delighted to introduce ‘Quarry Conversations’, a series of community engagement sessions. These sessions will provide an opportunity for residents to voice their ideas and aspirations for the Quarry. We encourage everyone to join our mailing list for updates regularly.