CHESTER ZOO has revealed stunning images of what its new wedding and events venue will look like when it opens next year.

Artist's impressions show what the space, called The Square, have been published on the zoo's social media channels.

The Square, due to open in spring 2023, was granted planning permission in April. It features a 200-capacity main event space with up to 380-capacity in the full venue.

 

Chester Zoo has published artists impressions of what its new wedding venue, The Square, will look like when it opens next year.

Chester Zoo has published artist's impressions of what its new wedding venue, The Square, will look like when it opens next year.

Featuring an impressive gated entrance, the unique building will have its own large private courtyard, exposed brick walls, vaulted rafters and large windows overlooking the zoo’s botanical gardens, as well as a host of preserved historical features.

The luxury space is an extension of an existing Grade II listed stable block that has stood at the heart of the 128-acre zoo since it opened in 1931. The original structures were once home to some of the zoo’s first animals such as lions, bears and chimpanzees.

Zoo conservationists say they plan to retain the ‘rich history and character’ of the building, while renovating and extending some areas using sustainably sourced, wildlife-friendly materials.

Jamie Christon, CEO at Chester Zoo, said: “Work is underway to bring to life this incredible building that has stood at the heart of the zoo for more than 91 years. The Square will be a special, one-of-a-kind space that preserves the zoo’s rich history and character, while also adding a modern twist to its interior that showcases our plans for a more sustainable future.

“While the zoo has, for some time, offered an intimate wedding and events space at The Oakfield gastropub, which can hold around 50 guests, we’re frequently asked if we can accommodate larger scale events. That’s why we’re really excited to begin welcoming guests to this incredible new venue from early next year.

“But what’s particularly special is that income generated by each and every occasion that takes place at The Square will contribute to our charitable mission and help us to secure a brighter future for wildlife on our planet.

“When The Square opens in spring 2023 there will be nothing else quite like it in the UK. Who wouldn’t want to get married surrounded by 27,000 animals?”

Conservationists say the unique venue will provide an important boost to the zoo’s charitable income and help it to further its mission to prevent extinction, both in the UK and around the world.

Dom Strange, commercial director at Chester Zoo, said: “As a major wildlife charity that’s working to prevent extinction, having a new, premier wedding and events space will enable us to raise additional income that will help us to fund yet more vital conservation initiatives in the UK and across the world, making a real difference to the future of threatened species globally.

 

Chester Zoo has published artists impressions of what its new wedding venue, The Square, will look like when it opens next year.

Chester Zoo has published artist's impressions of what its new wedding venue, The Square, will look like when it opens next year.

 

“The Stables is a beautiful Grade II-listed building – it’s the very place where the story of Chester Zoo began nearly 91 years ago. Right now though, the buildings are hidden away and are not accessible to the public.

"They were previously used for storage, maintenance offices and workshops and so we’re so pleased that we’ll be able to sensitively, and sustainably, restore the area and give what is such a historically important building the love, attention and spotlight it deserves.

“When it opens next year, it’ll be a truly unique venue for all sorts of occasions and will help people to connect with and experience our conservation zoo in new ways. From wedding days to away days and a place to meet and share, we hope it will really become a central hub, an inspiring space and somewhere for people to breathe in the zoo’s history and character, while also enjoying some modern luxury.

 

Chester Zoo has published artists impressions of what its new wedding venue, The Square, will look like when it opens next year.

Chester Zoo has published artist's impressions of what its new wedding venue, The Square, will look like when it opens next year.

 

“Importantly for us, the building will incorporate sustainable features and utilise lots of existing materials, and much of the food served will be ethically and locally sourced.”

All profits from every event at The Square will go towards the zoo's conservation work to help prevent extinction with projects both at the zoo and across the globe.

After the Covid-19 pandemic caused a financial crisis at the zoo, which lost the vast majority of its income overnight as it was forced to close in line with other public attractions, a return to more normal times means the zoo's future looks much more prosperous.

Recently, the zoo has also lodged plans to build new safari-style overnight hotels.