LUC is designing the landscape masterplan for the award-winning grounds of Bristol Zoo Gardens. The gardens will be open to the public after the site is sold.

Bristol Zoological Society’s plans for the future of the 12-acre site include:

• Free public access to the 185-year-old gardens
• A new, publicly accessible children’s play area
• A new Clifton Conservation Hub and café

LUC’s draft landscape masterplan shows up to 235 new homes, of which 20% will be affordable. The plans protect the site’s historical buildings, and include a mix of sustainable, high-quality, much-needed housing.

The proposals give new life to the gardens’ existing historical features, such as the Monkey Temple building, protecting them for future generations to enjoy. The iconic Zoo entrance building will become the Clifton Conservation Hub – a public café with indoor and outdoor seating, exhibition space, education and meeting spaces, and a new home for the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project.

LUC is using landscape design to improve the site’s biodiversity, placing sustainability and ecology at the heart of the scheme. In responding to both the ecological and housing crises, they hope to inspire others in the UK to create nature-led new communities.

Dr Justin Morris, Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “Bristol Zoo Gardens will be more accessible than ever before. Bristolians and visitors to the city can come and enjoy the gardens, play area, lake, natural wildlife, and heritage buildings. After occupying the site for 186 years, we’ll create a legacy for Bristol Zoo Gardens, making it free for the public, while protecting and improving the lives of the amazing animals in a new world-class Bristol Zoo.”

Edward Tarratt, Associate Landscape Architect at LUC, added: “This project presents the opportunity to deliver a truly unique new development on a site that holds so many nostalgic memories for the people of Bristol. The nature, heritage and character of the Zoo gardens provide an idyllic landscape setting for future residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The second phase of the public consultation for the Clifton site is underway. Bristol Zoological Society is inviting people to see the proposals and share their views at an online event on 23 November.

A third public consultation will take place in early 2022.

More at: future.bristolzoo.org.uk