Bristol Zoo Gardens plan ‘lack ambition’ says civic society

Bristol Civic Society says too much car parking is proposed for an accessible location
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Plans by Bristol Zoo to replace the attraction with public gardens have been slammed by the Bristol Civic Society, which says the proposal ‘lack ambition’.

Bristol Zoo is gearing up to move out of the city to its Wild Place Project after 186 years, and wants to build 62 homes on its West Car Park Site which it hopes will provide a funding source while preserving the Zoo’s legacy in Clifton.

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Under separate plans, it wants to open public gardens at the zoo site, featuring additional housing, a new children’s play area, a Clifton Conservation Hub and café.

An artist’s impression of what Bristol Zoo Gardens could look like if the site is opened to the public for free.An artist’s impression of what Bristol Zoo Gardens could look like if the site is opened to the public for free.
An artist’s impression of what Bristol Zoo Gardens could look like if the site is opened to the public for free.

But members of Bristol Civic Society said they are ‘disappointed’ by the proposals, particularly the ‘significant amount of parking’ which they deemed ‘unnecessary in such an accessible location’.

Members are also concerned about the height of perimeter residential blocks, particularly along the northern edge of the site.

Planning permission for the housing was granted back in September 2021 with the West Car Park site now up for sale, but a separate planning application relating to the main Bristol Zoo Gardens site is expected to emerge in the coming months.

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“The Society considers that it is fundamental that if the Zoo wishes to deliver a legacy consistent with the principles it published, then it should commit to binding any future developer to the development proposals,” a spokesperson said.

An artist’s impression of the proposed housing development.An artist’s impression of the proposed housing development.
An artist’s impression of the proposed housing development.

“The Society reserves its detailed comments and final position for the planning application which is expected in the next few months.”

He added: “The Society is disappointed by the lack of ambition with the proposal particularly in terms of the significant amount of car parking.”

Francesca Fryer, director of transformation at Bristol Zoo, said: “We welcome feedback and discussion on our plans for the future of the Bristol Zoo Gardens.

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“We realise the significance of the Clifton site and the special place it has in the hearts of many. This is why we are leading the planning process, to ensure the plans respect the history and heritage of the site and gardens.

“Our proposals include much-needed, sustainable, high-quality housing, as well as a publicly accessible children’s play area, a new Clifton Conservation Hub, and a cafe.

“Importantly, our plans are to offer free public access to the grounds for the first time in its 185 year history.

“We want to leave a responsible legacy in Clifton, while continuing to protect and improve the lives of threatened animals in a new, world-class Bristol Zoo.”

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Bristol Zoo must also contend with a counter-proposal by Our World Bristol for the world’s first ‘augmented reality zoo’ at the site.

While Visit West and the SS Great Britain’s boss back Bristol Zoo, the Our World Bristol project is supported by We Are The Curious and the Eden Projct, with broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby recently lending his name to the list.

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