Chester Zoo's ambitious £225 million plan that will see it transformed into the largest conservation, animal and leisure attraction of its kind in Europe _320
“New and exciting animal species will be introduced. This project is unlike anything that has been in the UK and will offer a spectacular visitor experience and the highest standards of animal welfare.”
Chester Zoo – which celebrates its 75th anniversary in May – already has 1.3m visitors a year, more than any other zoo in the UK.
It is expected that number will increase to 1.6m on completion of the first phase, and 2m visitors per year on completion of the full project as the zoo becomes more of an all-year round attraction.
Hundreds of jobs will be created both during the construction of the project and on completion.
The zoo currently occupies 50 hectares of land, but owns a further 200, and the completed Natural Vision project will cover 80 hectares, including new access roads and parking.
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has provided funding to enable the project to progress to this stage.
James Berresford, director of tourism at the NWDA, said: “Chester Zoo is already a highly successful regional attraction and the Natural Vision project will transform it into a visitor experience of national and international importance.”
