A New Chapter for Old Town Quarry: Safety, Sustainability, and Community Engagement
Weston-super-Mare Town Council is pleased to announce its takeover of the Old Town Quarry site, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this important local landmark.
In its commitment to revitalising the Quarry, the Town Council will ensure the safety and enhancement of both the site and its natural inhabitants—flora and fauna alike.
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.
Today (22/7/24) 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.
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.
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.
Get Involved: Quarry Conversations
In May the Town Council launched ‘Quarry Conversations’, a series of community engagement sessions. These sessions provide an opportunity for residents to voice their ideas and aspirations for the Quarry. Anyone interested in the Old Town Quarry project is invited to join the mailing list for regular updates: http://eepurl.com/iP9du2.
The Town Council is committed to transforming the Old Town Quarry into a safe, accessible, and vibrant space that honours its rich natural and cultural heritage.
Cllr John Crockford-Hawley, Mayor of Weston-super-Mare said “Quarrying last occurred here in the 1950s after which the site gradually became derelict until Weston Civic Society established its popular community facility and wildlife sanctuary. This new chapter in the quarry’s story will ensure continuity of purpose with community involvement and much improved facilities.”
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “I’m delighted to see that the lease agreement has been signed with the town council taking on the running of the Old Town Quarry. This is a pivotal moment in the site’s history.
“Part of an agreed vision and investment package, this allows this much-loved cultural gem to remain in public ownership, enabling local communities to continue to shape its future. I look forward to following the progress of the town council’s work to ensure the quarry’s long-term future, and indeed seeing it reopen again.”