News / Bristol Zoo Gardens
Plans for 200 homes on Bristol Zoo Gardens site submitted
Plans for a residential development and free public park have been formally submitted on a much-loved site in Bristol.
Bristol Zoo Gardens is moving its operations to the Wild Place Project in South Gloucestershire, 185 years on from opening.
To help fund the new Bristol Zoo, the charity which runs it wants to sell the historic site for housing.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol Zoological Society formally applied for 200 “high-quality” homes to be built on the land in Clifton on Monday – of which 20 per cent will be ‘affordable’. The homes will range in size and be mainly built on areas where there are existing structures.
A conservation hub will house a new café for the gardens – photo: Bristol Zoological Society
As part of the proposal, the 12-acre grounds will remain open to the public with the creation of a large public park. The plans also include improvements to the lake, a play area, space for community events, café and exhibition space.
The Society wants to restore and protect some features at the site, including the monkey temple and former bear pit.
The pavilion, parrot house, giraffe house will be refurbished for housing, with homes ranging from two to six stories.
The site’s layout if planning permission is granted by Bristol City Council – photo: Bristol Zoological Society
The ‘masterplan’ has been nearly two years in the making after the charity announced its Clifton site would permanently close in November 2020.
Meanwhile, a second planning application has been submitted to develop the site as “the world’s first augmented reality zoo”. A collective of individuals and architects called Our World outlined an alternative vision for the grounds that would see them transformed into a £75m attraction.
Clifton & Hotwells Improvement Society has also successfully applied for Bristol Zoo Gardens to become an Asset of Community Value.
Bristol Zoological Society said its planning application “protects the legacy of these important gardens”.
Speaking about the proposals, Dr Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “This is an important milestone and an exciting step forward for the future of Bristol Zoological Society.
“We are confident in our plans and proud of the ambition and quality of the design proposals we have submitted.
“Importantly, these plans will secure the site as a vital community asset, so everyone can enjoy its beauty and heritage for many years to come.”
Bristol Zoo Gardens’ final public open day will be on September 3.
Main photo: Bristol Zoological Society
Read more:
- ‘We need to build on Bristol Zoo’s legacy, not sell it for housing’
- ‘We need to take the spirit of Bristol Zoo Gardens with us’
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