Animal-lovers could soon be able to stay overnight in a safari lodge and wake up to see giraffes and other animals roaming freely.
This is because, according to reports by CheshireLive, Chester Zoo has this week unveiled and resubmitted exciting plans to build a range of safari-style lodges and tents on a plot of land that is currently owned by the zoo, but not actively-used.
The zoo was originally given planning permission to build 28 lodges and 14 tents in September 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic meant the project had to be put on hold.
But now, bosses at the UK’s biggest charity zoo have expanded and resubmitted proposals for their ‘Natural Vision’ masterplan to a total of 63 lodges around “a large body of water”, which aims to turn the popular tourist attraction into a Savannah habitat with an African street, a restaurant and bar, and a welcome building.
According to the planning documents, the 63 lodges – which would be built around a lake – would all be of varying styles and sizes, with 54 built initially, with the option to build a further nine in future.
ADVERTISEMENT
They would either be four or six-bed lodges, including a king size bed and bunk beds, and zoo bosses say they are designed to blend into the landscape.
Proposals for the 63 lodges around “a large body of water” aim to turn the zoo into a Savannah habitat / Credit: Chester Zoo
To maintain this habitat, trees appropriate for the African Savannah landscape will be sporadically-planted, while a denser and greener ‘islands zone’ will be created to provide greater species diversity for wildlife.
The Grasslands centrepiece will be home to multiple rare and endangered species – including Rothschild’s giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, ostrich, and antelope – all living alongside one another, and there will also be two giraffe feeding stations next to the Bachelor Giraffe Paddock too, with one reserved exclusively for guests of two of the lodges.
An ‘island’ in the centre of the lake would be used as an events space.
ADVERTISEMENT
The on-site restaurant is set to seat up to 120 people, who can all tuck into freshly-prepared breakfasts, lunches, and dinner services – with the first-floor views overlooking the lake and the giraffe enclosure.
An ‘island’ in the centre of the lake would be used as an events space / Credit: Chester ZooThere will also be two giraffe feeding stations, with one reserved exclusively for guests of the lodges / Credit: Chester Zoo
Jamie Christon – Chief Operating Officer at Chester Zoo – said of the proposals back in 2019: “Grasslands will be a phenomenal experience and will cement Chester Zoo’s standing as one of the world’s very best attractions.
“Featuring state-of-the-art conservation breeding facilities for a range of threatened African species, Grasslands will yet again see the zoo push the boundaries of world-class animal care.
“Crucially, it will bring our vital, global conservation work to life for visitors, while boosting the zoo’s charitable income to further help achieve our mission to prevent extinction, here in the UK and around the world.”
Chester Zoo says it aims to open the lodges sometime in mid-2023.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
News
Olivia Rodrigo’s two Manchester shows at Co-op Live have been postponed
Daisy Jackson
Olivia Rodrigo’s shows at Co-op Live in Manchester have been postponed after a night of drama for the new arena.
The star was meant to bring her GUTS Tour to the city on Friday and Saturday night.
But the huge 23,500-capacity arena has now confirmed that both of these gigs will be postponed.
New dates will be announced as soon as they’re confirmed.
Co-op Live said in a statement: “Due to an on-going venue-related technical issue, the scheduled performances of Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour on 3rd and 4th May are being postponed.
“Ticket holders can either hold onto their tickets or obtain a refund from their point of purchase.
“We deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause for many.”
The massive arena was supposed to open for the first time to the public tonight with a performance by A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
Credit: Nick WalkerCredit: Larissa HofmannOlivia Rodrigo’s gigs in Manchester at Co-op Live have been postponed.
But it was called off at the eleventh hour, with fans turned away from the doors just minutes before they were meant to open.
Co-op Live has now confirmed that the reason for the cancellation was that a piece of the HVAC (air conditioning) system had ‘separated from the ductwork’.
Rigorous testing on the rest of the system now needs to take place before fans can safely be welcomed inside.
Olivia Rodrigo has yet to issue a statement about her Manchester shows on 3 and 4 May being postponed.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie issues statement after Co-op Live cancels gig at the last minute
Daisy Jackson
Hip hop star A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie has issued a statement after his Co-op Live gig was cancelled with just minutes to go.
The rapper was meant to be opening the huge venue tonight after several delays, which have included Peter Kay and The Black Keys postponing.
It looked like the doors would actually open today, but Co-op Live announced the show’s cancellation just minutes before fans were meant to head inside.
The 23,500-capacity venue blamed ‘a venue-related technical issue’.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie himself has now released a statement about the last-minute cancellation of his gig.
He wrote: “Something happened with the venue while I was at soundcheck today that caused cancellation of the show.
“We are working on rescheduling in the next few days.
“I’m heated about the situation too but safety first Manchester I got you, just stay tuned for further info.”
Co-op Live was meant to open with Peter Kay on 23 April, after a test event with Rick Astley the previous weekend.
But due to technical issues Peter Kay was rescheduled, and then postponed again, with The Black Keys also rescheduled.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie has released a statement after his Co-op Live gig was cancelled. Credit: The Manc Group
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie was supposed to be the first official act to play at the massive new Manchester arena.
But fans were turned away from Co-op Live at the eleventh hour today.
The venue said in a statement: “Due to a venue-related technical issue, tonight’s A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie show will no longer go ahead.
“We kindly ask fans to leave the area.
“Ticket holders will receive further information in due course.
“We deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause for many.”
Further information for fans affected by the cancellation will follow soon.