Sale contracts exchanged for former Bristol Zoo site

Conservation and education charity Bristol Zoological Society has announced it has exchanged sale contracts on the former Bristol Zoo Gardens site in Clifton with independent housebuilder Acorn Property Group.

However, while this is a major step forward, the charity says a relentless campaign of legal challenges and misinformation it’s being forced to defend, is preventing it from receiving the vital funds from the sale.

As a result, those against the Society’s plans to close the old site and create a new conservation zoo at Bristol Zoo Project, are not only slowing down the development, but they’re also impacting the charity’s ability to carry out critical conservation work.

Planning consent for the former zoo gardens was granted by Bristol City Council in April 2023. It would see the creation of 196 new homes (20% affordable), a new public park, a café, playground and Conservation Hub.

However, the council’s processes are being challenged by campaigners at a Judicial Review due to be heard in May 2025, two years after the original decision was made. Both the Society and Bristol City Council have confirmed they’ve taken independent legal advice and will robustly defend against the claim.

It is the latest in a series of legal threats brought against the Society, costing thousands of pounds of charitable funds.

Justin Morris, Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “Since we announced our new strategy in 2020, which included the closure of Bristol Zoo Gardens and development of a new conservation zoo at Bristol Zoo Project, we have faced a relentless campaign of misinformation. We have also had to spend thousands of pounds in legal fees, and this will continue with the Judicial Review this year.

“We are a conservation and education charity trying to save and protect the world’s most threatened species, and yet those against our plans continue to put our future conservation work in doubt, undermining the hard work of our staff and volunteers.

“The move to Bristol Zoo Project has always been about our vision for what we think a zoo should be. The new zoo will allow us to improve animal welfare, in larger natural habitats, and focus our resources on animals that really need our help. The gorilla and mangabey habitat will be four and a half times larger than their home at the old site in Clifton.

“To be clear, we will not be reopening Bristol Zoo Gardens as a zoo in any capacity. In the five years since we announced its closure, not one viable alternative plan has ever been put forward to us, with the finances to back it up.

“Before taking the decision to sell the site, we took extensive expert advice. Now, we have exchanged sale contracts with independent housebuilder Acorn Property Group. Acorn Property Group is committed to delivering the new homes and public space in Clifton, ensuring the gardens remain open to the public free of charge, for the first time in their 186-year history.

“Of the homes to be built, 20% will be affordable and the site will also offer a new public park, café and playground. The iconic zoo entrance building will also become the Clifton Conservation Hub – a public café, exhibition space, education and meeting spaces.”

Robin Squire, Regional Managing Director of Acorn’s Bristol office, said: “As a local developer, we’re proud to be part of this landmark regeneration project for Bristol. It’s an exceptional venture which will give a new lease of life to the former Bristol Zoo Gardens.

“Having first visited the zoo nearly 50 years ago, I fully understand the connection that many people feel to this incredibly important site. We do not take the responsibility of delivering this project lightly.

“We respect the Judicial Review process and, upon its determination, look forward to engaging with the local community. At that point, we will invite anyone with an interest in the future of the site to meet with us, share their views, and discuss the vision.

“We are fully committed to the scheme, including the provision of affordable housing in partnership with a local housing association, restoration of historic structures and buildings, and ensuring public access to the gardens, which will see them open for free for the first time.

“Acorn has a strong track record of delivering award-winning design-led residential, new-build and regeneration developments. Our specialist knowledge and experienced team means we are well suited to take on this development.”