Developer sought for ‘extraordinary’ Bristol Zoo Gardens site
The historic Bristol Zoo Gardens site in Clifton, Bristol, has been brought to the market for residential development by property adviser, Savills.
The 11.4 acre site was home to Bristol Zoo for 186 years before its closure in 2022, when its owners, Bristol Zoological Society, closed the historic facility in order to focus on its 136 acre Bristol Zoo Project site on the outskirts of the city.
The sale of the Bristol Zoo Gardens site represents the second phase of the Society’s disposal strategy, having completed on the sale of its former West Car Park in May 2023.
Read more: Bristol Zoo's old car park at Clifton sold for housing
Savills is marketing the Bristol Zoo Gardens site for sale having successfully secured a Resolution to Grant Planning Permission for an exceptional residential scheme, designed to provide a suitable legacy for the Society, in line with its conservation values.
The proposed scheme encompasses high-quality architecture with highly sustainable, low carbon development. It will create 196 new homes, 20 per cent of which will be affordable, set within mature landscaped gardens and alongside a conservation hub, which will be retained by the Society.
The scheme will also provide free public access to the historic gardens for the first time in the site’s history.
Ben Taylor, head of development for Savills Bristol, said: ‘Bristol Zoo Gardens is an extraordinary site, with consent to deliver an exceptional scheme that befits its unique heritage and features. It is an incredible one-off opportunity for an outstanding developer to make their mark at this high-profile site within Bristol’s most prestigious residential suburb.’
Dr Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “Our plans for the Bristol Zoo Gardens site will not only deliver high quality, sustainable homes for Bristol, but will see the gardens free to access for the first time
“The sale of the site will safeguard the future of our 186-year-old charity and support the creation of a new, world-class conservation zoo at Bristol Zoo Project. At this inspiring visitor destination on the outskirts of the city, at least 80 per cent of species will be linked to our conservation work around the world, living in spaces more closely reflecting their natural habitats. Construction is expected to begin in 2024.”
The proposed new buildings at the Bristol Zoo Gardens site form two distinct typologies. Around the perimeter, new apartment buildings are visually broken up by the use of step down or back relief, balconies, and playful animal motifs.
Within the site, 27 new houses are introduced, predominately to the south of the lake. These are bolder in their design, with materials selected to draw on animalistic textures, and architectural references taken from the existing Grade II listed Giraffe House.
Five historic buildings within the site will be converted into characterful homes, including the Grade II listed Giraffe House, which forms a single dwelling, and the Clifton Pavilion, which will be subdivided into five townhouses.
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Much of the gardens will remain as open space, with improvements to the lake, the creation of a new, nature-inspired play area, and space for community events in the existing Terrace Theatre building. Listed buildings, such as the Monkey Temple and former Bear Pit will be sensitively restored, retaining their position as key elements within the site.
The Grade II listed former zoo entrance building will become The Clifton Conservation Hub, a new community and exhibition space, focused on urban conservation. It will include a high-quality café, provide education space for local groups such as the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project, and will host cultural, educational and community events.
Savills is inviting informal tender submissions by Wednesday, November 22.
