News / Bristol Zoo Gardens
Bristol Zoo announces closure date for historic Clifton site
September 3 2022 will mark the end of an era as Bristol Zoo closes its historic grounds to the public.
Bosses of the society that runs the tourist attraction first announced plans to relocate to the Wild Place Project in November 2020. Their intention to sell the 186-year-old Clifton site to be redeveloped into new homes have received a mixed reaction and sparked a campaign for an alternative vision for the land.
Announcing the closure date, Bristol Zoological Society’s chief executive said this is not the end of the story for the historic site as he detailed plans for the new development, which is set to include gardens that will be open to the public, a new exhibition space, amphitheatre and children’s play area.
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In the meantime, the zoo is planning to host a series of celebration events ahead of its closure, including days for visitors to share their memories of the long-standing attraction and wander around the grounds.
Bristol Zoological Society chief executive Dr Justin Morris said: “Bristol Zoo Gardens is a special place for so many people and we want to give them a chance to come, to see our animals and the gardens and to talk about their memories.”
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Dates for the events due to take place at the zoo over the summer will be revealed in the coming weeks on the Bristol Zoo website.
Keeper John Partridge beside Wendy the elephant at Bristol Zoo – photo: Bristol Zoological Society
Alfred the gorilla at Bristol Zoo in 1947 – photo: Bristol Zoological Society
Zoo bosses hope to secure planning permission for the plans to build 235 new homes. Their proposal would also see the current entrance to the zoo turned into a ‘conservation hub’, with a public cafe and exhibition space.
An alternative vision put forward by a collective, spearheaded by former mayor George Ferguson, could see the historic site become “the world’s first augmented reality zoo”.
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Read more: ‘World first’ plans for Bristol Zoo unveiled
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Speaking about the zoo’s plans for the future of the Clifton grounds, Morris added: “This is our legacy. Our way of guaranteeing that people throughout the Bristol area will still be able to enjoy the gardens for generations to come.
“They will remain an important destination for people to visit and enjoy.”
The society intends to use money from the sale of the land to help pay for the development of the new Bristol Zoo, which will be built at the Wild Place Project near Cribbs Causeway and is due to open in 2024.
Bristol Zoo first opened in 1835 – photo: Bristol Zoological Society
Main photo: Bristol Zoo
Read more:
- Jonathan Dimbleby backs alternative proposals for Bristol Zoo site
- Bristol tourism bosses back zoo’s plans for Clifton site
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