Bristol councillors have granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Bristol Zoo Gardens site in Clifton.
On Wednesday (26 April), Bristol City Council approved the controversial plans to build 196 new homes on the site of Bristol Zoo Gardens, despite public opposition.
Of the nearly 200 new homes, 20 percent will be affordable. The plans also include providing free public access to the gardens for the first time in 186 years.
The Grade II-listed entrance lodge will be retained, offering a café and exhibition space. The site will also include a nature-themed playground and theatre.
The sale of the 12-acre site will help pay for the new Bristol Zoo at Wild Place Project, which will be known as the Bristol Zoo Project.
Construction at the Wild Place Project will start next year, with the new zoo growing and evolving over several years.
“We have always been confident in our plans for Bristol Zoo Gardens – which will bring much-needed housing for Bristol, as well as a new public park,” said Bristol Zoological Society’s chief executive, Justin Morris.
The planning approval means the zoo “can look to the future”, Morris said. “This starts with the creation of a new zoo – Bristol Zoo Project – at Wild Place Project, our 136-acre site on the outskirts of Bristol.”
Bristol Zoo Project relocation
Bristol Zoo Gardens, the fifth oldest zoo in the world, closed in September. The new zoo will focus on conservation and education.
At Bristol Zoo Project, 80 percent of species “will be linked to our conservation work around the world, living in spaces that more closely reflect their natural habitats,” said Brian Zimmerman, director of conservation for Bristol Zoological Society.
Morris said: “With more space, our charity will be able to provide excellent animal welfare, create opportunities for more visitors to come face-to-face with threatened animals, and inspire and educate the conservationists of the future.”
Images: Bristol Zoological Society
