Funding supports multi-million-pound Chester Zoo Grasslands
An African species zone and 50-bed lodge-style hotel are due to open to the public in spring 2025, following a green loan from Santander.
Chester Zoo has received a funding package, made up of a green loan and revolving credit facility, to support the multi-million-pound Grassland project.
Santander was advised by Addleshaw Goddard in the deal. Chester Zoo was advised by Hill Dickinson and Knights Debt Advisory.
The lakeside lodges will be a part of the main zoo and accompanied by a giraffe feeding station, covering 36,550 sq ft.
The green loan will support the construction of the hotel to a BREEAM Very Good standard, and targets an Energy Performance Certificate A rating.
Construction has already started on the Heart of Africa Zone, which will showcase a range of habitats from bush land to rich plains. The exhibit will be home to rare and endangered species, including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and ostriches.
The hotel will feature 63 lodges. Credit: via Chester Zoo
Liz Carnie, corporate director at Chester Zoo said: “These important new additions to our zoo will ensure we can continue to attract visitors for years and years to come, which is key to funding our vital species-saving work long into the future.
“At a time when a million species are faced with extinction and global biodiversity under huge threat, these projects will give a major boost to our charity and the conservation work we carry out, here in Chester and right across the world.”
Jo Phipson, regional managing director at Santander, said: “Santander UK is very proud to support this charity, which has a such a strong focus on preserving biodiversity and providing environmental education, and we look forward to working with the zoo as it continues its important work over the years to come.”
Cheshire West and Chester Council granted outline planning permission for Chester Zoo’s Grasslands scheme in 2019.
The scheme is part of Chester Zoo’s 217-acre Natural Vision Masterplan, which included the £40m Islands development opened in 2016. Santander also provided the funding for the Islands project.
Very good news. I hope I can afford to stay in a lodge!
Anything that secures the futures of some dodd Ed vies is welcome news.
By Wendy
I love Chester Zoo, I’ll be driving there on Friday from Manchester
By Dan
True insanity that we have animals being imprisoned in a lifetime of captivity in 2023. These places actually have very little to do with conservation if you look into it. It is all PR and their primary interest is in visitor numbers and profit for the owners. We need to offer a way for them to transition out of this industry and for these animals to live out the rest of their lives in peace, not adding to this spectacle.
By chidori01
Chester Zoo is a not for profit organisation, so to suggest they are a money-making is nonsense (there is no owner since the original founder passed away 50 years ago). All income is spent on the zoo itself and conservation efforts around the world to support and help animals in their natural habitats.
By Alex