The Tropicana has been derelict for years

The legal paperwork for Lifestation @ Tropicana has been signed and developers Henry Boot can now submit a planning application by the autumn.

The £30m project will see a 96 room hotel, indoor leisure pool, cinema, bowling alley, restaurants and bars.

If all goes to plan, the complex is expected to open by spring 2010.

Craig Mathias, from Henry Boot, said: "We are happy that the legal agreement has been completed so we can now get on with the development of the Tropicana.

"We understand what an important development for the people of Weston this is and are currently discussing with the council on how best we can make sure local people are kept properly informed during the development process."

There has been a pool on the seafront at Weston-super-Mare since the 1930s, but declining visitor numbers in the 1990s saw the council vote to close it.