A planning application has been submitted on North Somerset Council’s behalf outlining proposals for Marine Lake in Weston-super-Mare. 

Permission is being sought by We Made That, the council’s appointed architect for the project. 

The proposals include improving signage around the lake and installing a new welcome sign at the entrance to improve visibility, utilising and repurposing under-used space to create a new concession, equipment hire and storage facility ,upgrading and increasing the number of public toilets in use, including one accessible toilet, while changing them to self-contained cubicles with direct entry from the promenade, installing cycle racks, improving access for people into the water by repairing, resurfacing or rebuilding steps and ramps, and upgrading handrails, repairing and resurfacing the lower walkway around the lake and repairing the Madeira Gardens pavilion roof. 

Proposed designs have been shaped by local people, community groups and organisations as a result of public engagement . This included a free family-friendly public event – the ‘Grove Park Gathering’ – held in Grove Park last June. 

This project is part of North Somerset Council’s ambitious placemaking vision for the town, made possible thanks to the authority’s successful bid for £20m from the UK government. 

The centre of the Cove building, which overlooks the lake, is currently used by the RNLI as a shop and visitor centre. There are no proposed changes to that part of the building. 

Cllr Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member responsible for seafronts, said: “Our vision is to further enhance Marine Lake by developing year-round facilities to encourage food and drink, and leisure activities. We want to see the family-friendly venue develop as a safe place for people of all ages to enjoy a range of water-based activities. I’m delighted to see the submission of these proposals for planning approval. If approved, the work would make a positive difference to this much-loved destination on Weston’s seafront. 

“It’s a key priority for the council to involve the local community in shaping plans, and I was delighted that over 120 people attended the Grove Park Gathering event last summer. I’m grateful to the Weston Marine Lake Mudlarks, a group of volunteers who assist with the management of the lake, for their presence at the event and their ongoing work with us. I encourage people to review the proposals and have their say through our planning portal.” 

More information can be found on North Somerset Council’s website, including detailed drawings, under application number is 25/P/0855/R3.  

If approved, work is due to complete by March 2026. ​

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