Bristols new zoo » Bristol Zoo

It looks as though the new zoo at Hollywood estates is taking a small step forward
The zoo looks to win planning permission to build a new roundabout on the M5 at the entrance to the new park.
Just got to find the £50 million or so to build the place now!

Hope they do find that money! Does anyone know how much more they have to raise?

Any indication when the planning permission might be granted for the Bristol WCP to go forward? And yes, can anyone closer to Bristol Zoo tell us what the funding shortfall is at the moment for the building work to start ...?

Planning permission was granted 41 years ago, and apparently is still valid.

Planning permission for a roundabout near the junction of the M5 motorway was given by South Gloucestershire District Council on 27th March 2008, despite numerous objections regarding traffic flows, noise and pollution. I've tried to find the link, but my computer won't connect. If it is fixed I'll post the report.

Really, 41 years ago? I was under the impression that the Bristol WCP was an idea only tabled in the last 2-3 years ...!

Thank goodness that the roundabout plans can now also move forward. A major step to making the Bristol WCP a reality. Having seen the masterplan and exhibit designs I cannot wait till it is completed. Definitely, it will be another big attraction in the west (next to Chester Zoo) and will also vacate space at its sister Bristol Zoo to expand some exhibits after species destined for the Bristol WCP have left to their new residence. Do you have any idea how much of the funding is already in place? Any indication now when the first building work will start?

I expect Bristol WCP is a new concept, planning permission was probably given to develop the site as an animal collection 41 years ago and the new plans are probably nothing like those of 1967.

I am surprised that planning permission could last so long.

[quote=jelle;44556]Really, 41 years ago? I was under the impression that the Bristol WCP was an idea only tabled in the last 2-3 years ...!

. Definitely, it will be another big attraction in the west (next to Chester Zoo) and will also vacate space at its sister Bristol Zoo to expand some exhibits after species destined for the Bristol WCP have left to their new residence. /QUOTE]

It is to be on the site of the Bristol Zoo country estate which was acquired by the zoo in the 1960's but has only ever housed surplus stock and never been open to the public. I think there may be a clause saying the land must be used for public exhibition or something... which has never been the case.

I doubt it will make any difference to space in the ZOO as hardly anything currently held in the Zoo will move into the new WCP, which will contain entirely new animal stocks, many never seen at Bristol before.

The plans looks amazing, its scary i might have my own children when it finally opens! I recon the african jungle area will be best with bonobos and okapi!

Im really looking forwards to this zoo, it does look superb.

I have no information on how funding is progressing, but I bet Bristol Zoo are finding it tough going with the credit crunch. The fact that there's been no news on the NWCP since Jan 06 tells its own story.

Edinburgh are probably in the same boat (notwithstanding their planning setbacks). It probably doesn't help that their masterplan costs keep creeping up - £78 million and counting! Must feel like swimming up a waterfall....

I might be silly here but where is everyone reading these plans from ??

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As i close my eyes i feel it all sliping away!!!!

Bristol Zoo Conservation Park

National Wildlife Conservation Park - Home

On my last visit to the zoo in August 2006 the plans were on the wall of the Bugs World exit corridor

They're still there, looking quite old now...

Link not working for me, Rob.

I just tested it and it works for me.

Try the Bristol Zoo website and find National Wildlife Conservation Centre in the site map menu, or put National Wildlife Conservation Centre in the search box on the home page.

I hope you have better luck.