Alternative Plans for Bristol Zoo Site as Campaigners Oppose Housing Development
Campaigners are rallying against housing plans for the former Bristol Zoo site, seeking alternative ideas for the historic gardens.
Bristol, UK, Bristol Zoo, Housing Development, Public Meeting, Save Bristol Gardens Alliance
Bristol: Campaigners are really pushing back against the redevelopment of the old Bristol Zoo site in Clifton. They’re holding a public meeting soon to chat about some alternative ideas for the historic gardens.
The Save Bristol Gardens Alliance is inviting everyone to join the meeting at Christ Church in Clifton. Former Mayor George Ferguson will kick things off, which should be interesting.
This group has raised a good chunk of change to challenge Bristol City Council’s planning permission from last year. They’re not happy about the plan to build nearly 200 homes around the gardens.
The Bristol Zoological Society says they need the money from selling the site to fund their expansion project. But the sale is on hold because of the legal challenge from the campaigners, which is set to be heard soon.
The public meeting is happening on January 29 at 6:30 PM. Iain Boyd, who used to chair the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, will share a vision for a nature-focused alternative for the site. After that, there’ll be updates and a Q&A session.
A spokesperson for the alliance mentioned that the meeting aims to keep everyone in the loop about their legal challenge and to brainstorm other potential uses for the gardens, which are rich in heritage and biodiversity.
They’re really hoping for a community-driven approach that respects the unique environment while also considering the needs of the Zoological Society. They believe there’s still a chance to make a positive change.
George Ferguson is encouraging folks to come out and share their ideas for the gardens. He’s asking what people would like to see there—maybe an arboretum, an environmental attraction, or a public park where local businesses can thrive.
He believes this is a great opportunity to reimagine the site for everyone, not just the wealthy. Last November, the head of the Bristol Zoological Society, Justin Morris, expressed concerns that the campaigners hadn’t presented any solid alternative plans that could match the financial offers from developers.
He pointed out that while there have been discussions about alternative ideas over the years, none have turned into concrete proposals. The society is focused on getting the best value for their assets, which means engaging with the open market.
They’ve had positive responses from property developers, which is encouraging, but they’re still waiting for any serious offers from the campaigners.