Chester Zoo plans huts for giraffe sleepovers
An application has been submitted to build 63 lakeside lodges and a welcome building adjacent to the zoo’s Grasslands zone.
In total, Chester Zoo is proposing 36,550 sq ft of new space.
Under the proposals, there would be 54 lodges of varying styles constructed immediately, with nine more to be built as a part of a future phase. The lodges will be part of the main zoo, located off Caughall Road in Upton.
Inside the welcome building would be a 120-cover restaurant, bar facilities, staff areas and offices.
A giraffe feeding station would be included to allow visitors to get close to the animals on the fully accessible site.
The lodges would let visitors be in close proximity to giraffes. Credit: via planning documents
This progresses the zoo’s Grasslands masterplan after outline permission was granted in 2019. The pandemic caused that project to be paused, giving the zoo time to consider a larger proposal.
Chester Zoo is working with planners Gillespies and design team Buttress Architects and BDP Engineering on the project.
Other members of the project team are transport assessors SK and Cheshire Ecological Services conducting the tree survey.
The application’s reference number is 22/02129/FUL with Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Gillespies is the planning consultant for the project. Credit: via planning documents
Any affordable housing on this?
By Born in Bred
Doesn’t look like there’s any parking outside any of the huts either. What do they expect people to do, walk a few hundred meters? Pah!
By Anonymous
Yes , they should allow the use of bikes in here as well just like we tried when I worked at the Kruger national park. We had to stop it after a while though. Some of the animals seemed to really love it but tbh we hadn’t really thought it through.
By Doc Tari
Glad to see they have balconies.
By Anonymous
It sounds like a great idea, and it should include different types of animals.
By Anonymous
This would be amazing
By Bob
What a fabulous idea!!!
By Junerios
I look forward to the equivalent scheme in the lion enclosure.
By two-step
We will definitely be booking a few nights to stay..Great idea..
By Anonymous
Well done Chester Zoo.. I am so surprised its taken this long to come up with concept..
I personally wish all the very best, chances are you will not need it…
By Paul Carson. www.hedge2hedge.co.uk
Love this idea !! Can’t wait to stay x
By Rhiannon
If this happens it would be a good attraction
For Chester and Ellesmere port.
By Anonymous