Chester Zoo expansion plans
by Luke Tuchscherer | 13 Jun 2008
Chester Zoo could undergo expansion works that would see the site triple in size.
Leisure Concepts, a design and architecture firm, has put forward a concept proposal for the zoo. The designs include increasing the size of the site to 140 hectares and adding a hotel.
The proposal also includes plans for four habitat environments, which would “take visitors on geographic journey”, and a number of water rides that would allow visitors to “explore the animal enclosures in an immersive, up-close themed experience”.
Steve O’Brien, head of estates at Chester Zoo, said: “We are delighted with the proposal by Leisure Concepts. It was create Europe’s finest must-see wildlife attraction and allow Chester Zoo to build on its worldwide conservation mission.”
Leisure Concepts’ managing director, Gerry Rutter, added: “This was a very challenging project, balancing the requirements of Chester Zoo’s diverse and extensive animal population, while creating a spectacular and immersive visitor experience. We’re very proud of the results.”
The zoo is currently in consultations to take the project through to the planning stage.
Chester Zoo could undergo expansion works that would see the site triple in size. Leisure Concepts, a design and architecture firm, has put forward a concept proposal for the zoo. The designs include increasing the size of the site to 140 hectares and adding a hotel. The proposal also includes plans for four habitat environments, which would “take visitors on geographic journey”, and a number of water rides that would
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