A smaller 45.7 metres (150 ft) mast is used to relay digital terrestrial television services from the Mendip transmitting station.

Two schemes subsequently failed to materialise for the old building: one to transform it into a public swimming pool and another to replace it with a Little Chef restaurant.

In 1987, a £100,000 scheme to transform the site into an aquarium and reptile house was proposed by the consortium Ark Enterprises Ltd, headed by Stephen Smith.

Both a 21-year lease on the building and planning permission were acquired in 1987,[2] and Tropiquaria opened in 1989.

Analogue television was transmitted from Washford until the digital switchover of the Mendip transmitter group between 24 March - 7 April 2010.