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Zoo unveils £225m transformation Zoo unveils £225m transformation
(about 13 hours later)
A giant dome housing a rainforest is part of a £225m plan to transform Chester Zoo into Europe's largest conservation attraction.A giant dome housing a rainforest is part of a £225m plan to transform Chester Zoo into Europe's largest conservation attraction.
The project includes a 56 hectare indoor African-themed rainforest where gorillas, chimpanzees and other tropical animals can move freely.The project includes a 56 hectare indoor African-themed rainforest where gorillas, chimpanzees and other tropical animals can move freely.
The £90m eco dome, which would form the initial phase of the scheme, would be the first of its kind in the UK.The £90m eco dome, which would form the initial phase of the scheme, would be the first of its kind in the UK.
A 90-room hotel is also set to be part of plans submitted later this year.A 90-room hotel is also set to be part of plans submitted later this year.
The project, called Natural Vision, includes a Conservation College and a revamped main entrance linking it to a marina development on zoo land next to the Shropshire Union Canal.The project, called Natural Vision, includes a Conservation College and a revamped main entrance linking it to a marina development on zoo land next to the Shropshire Union Canal.
The dome itself will have an interactive water ride to give visitors unique views of the animal enclosures. This project is unlike anything that has been in the UK Prof Gordon McGregor ReidThe dome itself will have an interactive water ride to give visitors unique views of the animal enclosures. This project is unlike anything that has been in the UK Prof Gordon McGregor Reid
The aim is, by 2018, to showcase and support the zoo's international conversation work, which currently involves 50 countries. The aim is, by 2018, to showcase and support the zoo's international conservation work, which currently involves 50 countries.
Prof Gordon McGregor Reid, director general of Chester Zoo, said: "Natural Vision will offer a fun, family-friendly, adventurous, yet educational window on the world of conservation.Prof Gordon McGregor Reid, director general of Chester Zoo, said: "Natural Vision will offer a fun, family-friendly, adventurous, yet educational window on the world of conservation.
"New and exciting animal species will be introduced. This project is unlike anything that has been in the UK and will offer a spectacular visitor experience and the highest standards of animal welfare.""New and exciting animal species will be introduced. This project is unlike anything that has been in the UK and will offer a spectacular visitor experience and the highest standards of animal welfare."
The zoo, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in May, attracts 1.3m visitors a year.The zoo, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in May, attracts 1.3m visitors a year.
The new project is expected to see visitors rise to 2m when complete. Chester Zoo spans 50 hectares but owns another 200.The new project is expected to see visitors rise to 2m when complete. Chester Zoo spans 50 hectares but owns another 200.
When finished, Natural Vision will cover 80 hectares including new road access and parking.When finished, Natural Vision will cover 80 hectares including new road access and parking.
Meanwhile, hundreds of jobs will be created for the north west, during construction and following completion of the project, said a zoo spokesman.Meanwhile, hundreds of jobs will be created for the north west, during construction and following completion of the project, said a zoo spokesman.
Prof McGregor Reid added: "Our visitors will be immersed in the world of wildlife where we will engage, inform educate and amaze them in a truly thrilling and unique environment."Prof McGregor Reid added: "Our visitors will be immersed in the world of wildlife where we will engage, inform educate and amaze them in a truly thrilling and unique environment."