History of the Old Town Quarry
From Village Quarry to Victorian Foundations
The Old Town Quarry has deep roots in Weston’s early village history. Before Weston-super-Mare became a seaside resort, villagers had the right to collect stone from the site for building works — a tradition that continued even after land ownership changed under the Enclosure Act.
During the early 19th century, stone from the Quarry helped shape Weston’s growth. Many of the town’s Victorian houses and roads were built using limestone from here and other nearby quarries along Worlebury Hill. Quarrying was physically demanding and dangerous work — for both the labourers and the horses that hauled the stone — and accidents were not uncommon.
In the 1880s, the Town Commissioners introduced new machinery, including a stone breaker and steam roller, bringing early mechanisation to the process. But despite these innovations, working the Quarry remained a tough and hazardous trade.
By 1953, the council decided to close the Quarry after finding cheaper sources of material elsewhere. Over the following years, the site fell into neglect. Boats and building materials were stored on the Quarry floor, and it soon became an eyesore.
Proposals to redevelop the land — including one plan for a block of flats — were rejected, as the site was deemed unsuitable for commercial or residential use. The Quarry’s future remained uncertain for decades.
The Civic Society Years (1986–2023)
A turning point came in 1986, when the Weston Civic Society signed a 15-year lease with Woodspring District Council. Their vision was to turn the Quarry into a welcoming community and visitor space — a place that celebrated the area’s geology, industry, and nature.
The Society began the enormous task of clearing waste and restoring the site, supported by local volunteers and grants. By 1996, funding from the Civic Trust’s Local Project Fund enabled major repairs, including re-roofing and making the main workshop building watertight.
In 2000, artists and craftspeople began using the studios for the first time, marking the start of the Quarry’s modern creative chapter. A year later, a major refurbishment funded by the Regional Development Agency, Bristol Water, the National Lottery, and others created a series of workshop units, an exhibition space, and new facilities — even a composting toilet.
Over the following years, the Civic Society continued to enhance the site. A café opened in 2006, and a flush toilet was installed in 2017, improving comfort for visitors and residents alike.
However, by the early 2020s, the ageing volunteer group found it increasingly difficult to manage and modernise the site. In August 2023, following discussions with North Somerset Council, the Civic Society surrendered its lease after 37 years of stewardship — leaving the Quarry’s future once again in need of a sustainable plan.
Transition and Renewal
After the lease ended, North Somerset Council took responsibility for the site and began essential works to address health and safety concerns. The unsafe stone-crushing plant was demolished in late 2023, clearing the way for a new future for the Quarry.
On 22 July 2024, a new 35-year lease agreement was signed with Weston-super-Mare Town Council, marking the start of a new chapter in the Quarry’s long history.
With support from the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund (£700,000) and an additional £200,000 investment from Weston-super-Mare Town Council, and £40,000 investment from from Arts Council England, an extensive programme of refurbishment and renewal has been completed. The Quarry has now been transformed into a landmark hub for nature, community and culture.
