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Plan for theatre complex at seaside leisure park

Jasmine Ketibuah-FoleyWest of England
News imageBrean Leisure Park Limited An AI image of what part of the Brean Leisure Park revamp would look like. A birds eye view of a building on a pier that doesn't have a roof, so you can see inside, can be seen. There is seating within the building facing a stage in what is named the "pier theatre"Brean Leisure Park Limited
Artist's impressions of how the site could look are part of the planning application

Plans have been unveiled to revamp part of a Somerset holiday park with a theatre show bar and new entertainment facilities.

According to Brean Leisure Park Limited's application, the existing entertainment facility, called RJ's, will be redeveloped and extended.

Plans for Unity Beach Holiday Park have been submitted to Somerset Council and include a 1,100-seater theatre, mezzanine, play area and arcade.

The developers have said the current building does not "meet the operational needs of the holiday park", particularly in terms of capacity.

News imageBrean Theme Park from outside a fence. It has plastic animals inside, rides and palm trees. A red sign reads "Free Entry, The UK's Biggest Free Admission Theme Park".
Part of Brean Leisure Park could be upgraded if the planning application succeeds

The proposal includes a new theatre show bar building, a family entertainment centre within the refurbished RJ's building, a new main entrance with canopy and signage, a cycle shelter and improved footpath.

Brean Leisure Park Limited has said the project would deliver "economic, social, and environmental benefits" with "sustainability and environmental considerations".

The application states a noise management plan would also be put in place "to further minimise any impact of operation on surrounding receptors".

One objection from a nearby resident has been submitted highlighting fears around the proposed increase in the amount of visitors that would use the facilities, and the "disturbance" it could cause.

News imageBrean Leisure Park Limited An AI image of what the theatre is expected to look like. Red carpets and walls can be seen with a stage lit up in the distance.Brean Leisure Park Limited
The council is expected to make a decision on the application by 9 July

The application follows and builds upon a previous scheme for the extension of RJ's that was granted permission in 2022, but never implemented.

The park has said the revamp would create 38 jobs.

The council is expected to make a decision on the planning application on 9 July.

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