Glendale cleans up for Bansky project

A team of specialists from Glendale has cleared an area of land in preparation for an exhibition commissioned by elusive artist Banksy.

Dismaland, located on the 2.5-acre site of a former lido on the Weston-super-Mare seafront, has opened to the public as a six-week attraction showcasing work from 58 artists including Banksy, Damien Hirst, Jenny Holzer and Jimmy Cauty.

Glendale was asked to focus its services on the project as part of its £17.5m contract with North Somerset Council, for which it delivers grounds maintenance, tree surgery, recycling services and beach management.

The team worked around the clock delivering cleansing services and vegetation clearance, before large installations and theme park features were brought in, as speculation grew among local people who believed a Hollywood film set was being constructed. All routes into the town were also spruced up in anticipation of an influx of visitors.

A dedicated seafront supervisor will be in place for the duration of the project, with continuous cover to support the expected increase in footfall and litter.

David Buckley, contract manager at Glendale, said: “This was a top-secret project which required us to deploy our specialist skills within a restricted time frame to ensure the area was ready for the big reveal. The town will have all eyes on it for the next six weeks, so it must be kept in top condition.

“This is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the South West and at the height of summer, when visitor numbers will be at their peak, and we will be on hand to support the expected increase in visitors the park will attract to the region, while maintaining our high standards of service.”

Street artist Banksy’s trademark is his incorporation of social and political commentary into his works, which have famously appeared on public spaces in cities around the world.

The Dismaland exhibition, which has been described as a ‘family theme park unsuitable for children’, is expected to boost the local economy by an estimated £7m over the next six months.