North Somerset Council will reopen Weston-super-Mare's Marine Lake on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 3 p. m.
, just in time for the summer season.
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The tidal facility had been closed since October 6, 2025, for extensive improvements funded by a portion of a £20 million UK government allocation.
Local contractor EJ McGrath managed the infrastructure upgrades, which included repairing the lower walkway, rebuilding access steps and ramps, and upgrading handrails.
The project also delivered new public toilets with self-contained cubicles, additional cycle racks, repaired pavilion roofing at Madeira Gardens, and repurposed space for a new business, equipment hire, and storage facility.
Community and Official Reactions
Cllr Mike Solomon, Chairperson of North Somerset Council’s Corporate, Assets, Transport and Environmental Services Policy and Scrutiny Committee, praised the completion.
"Marine Lake is such an important attraction on Weston’s seafront.
I'm delighted that this work has resulted in an improved all-year-round swimming and watersports destination which remains free of charge and ready to be enjoyed again by both residents and visitors alike," he said.
Solomon noted the project finished on schedule despite environmental challenges.
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He highlighted the collaborative effort that established a new deep water swimming channel, crediting council officers, the contractor, and volunteers from the Weston Marine Lake Mudlarks.
Jan Doyle, Director of the Mudlarks, expressed enthusiasm. "We’re overjoyed at the reopening of our smart new lake.
The Mudlarks have been involved in campaigning and working with the council to plan improvements at the lake since the dredging carried out in 2022," she said.
Doyle added that the group aims to fundraise for further improvements and continue acting as a bridge between the council and lake users.
The council expects elevated tourism numbers due to multiple scheduled public gatherings.
"With the re-opening of the lake and many big events this year, we’re all set for a busy and exciting summer in Weston," Solomon said.
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North Somerset Council will maintain its partnership with consultants and the Mudlarks to oversee future operations, including managing silt accumulation in the basin.
