An Enlightened Future for Bristol Zoo Gardens

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OURWORLD BRISTOL An Enlightened Future for Bristol Zoo Gardens

An Enlightened Future for CHAPTERBristol EADING / SECTIONZoo Gardens OUR WORLD BRISTOL

A magical garden of wonders - an oasis of learning, of global significance and international reach forged from Bristol’s long established place in the world as the ‘Hollywood’ of natural history film-making. Making the most of the city’s buoyant capacity for innovation in digital technology, its restless appetite for radical social change and its celebrated international leadership in creativity and story-telling.

Regenerating the site of the first provincial zoological garden in the World, following the 185 year old Zoo’s closure, you can travel in time and space to interact in undreamt of ways with the wildest and most secret aspects of the animal kingdom and understand for the first time where humankind really sits within the complex web of Life on Earth.

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OURWORLD BRISTOL

We are pleased to present this preliminary prospectus of an alternative future for Bristol's historic Zoo Gardens. We do so in the confidence that we can work with the Zoo, the City of Bristol and the wider community to ensure that the OurWorld project is genuinely inclusive and reflects Bristol’s diverse population and vitality.

CONTENTS Foreword 2 A Site Transformed 23

A Transformational Future for the Our Challenge 4 Zoo Gardens 24 Evolution of the Site Through Time 26 Site Today 27 Our Vision 5 Reimagining the Site 32 A Zoo Like No Other 6 Key Design Moves 34 Humanimal 7 Anatomy 38 Time Bridge 10 Alfred the Gorilla Lives Again 12 Supporters And Networks 45

Supporters 46 Networks 56 Advisors and Contact 59

Printed in Bristol by Hobs on FSC paper

1 FOREWORD OURWORLD BRISTOL

FOREWORD

Photo: © Dave Stevens

Our demand for resources has Bristol Zoo will hold fond This century we are already pushed many other memories for so many. I species over the brink, to remember visiting as a child, and facing the greatest extinction. Our energy-hungry I have taken my own children challenge humanity lifestyles have created a climate there - enjoying their wonder at has ever seen. As crisis. The challenge we all face seeing some of the incredible is one that will require people animals that we share this planet a species, we’ve to cooperate and to innovate. with. But it’s time to reimagine become victims of our And we will only succeed if we what a zoo could be - and can learn to live, not by fighting how it could help us meet the own success, pushing against nature, but thriving environmental challenge we face. at the bounds of the with it. planet’s capacity to This, then, is the new vision for This challenge is facing us Bristol Zoo - a new idea of a support us. now, but it will also be the work zoo for the twenty first century. of generations to come: our People of all ages would come children, our grandchildren, here, not to see exotic animals in great grandchildren. If we are to cages, but to engage with nature rise to the challenge, I believe across the planet, in a venture we need to nurture a deep love underpinned by Bristol’s long and a deep understanding of the history of expertise in wildlife natural world. film-making and exploration of the natural world, and inspired by Imagine: an oasis in the city. A Bristol’s well deserved reputation haven for nature with beautiful as a green pioneer. gardens and with experiences that let you see, hear and It’s such a perfect seed of an feel immersed in natural idea. It just needs us to tend environments all around the it, to make it flourish. I hope world: diving deep into oceans that you can help us to make it with whales, braving the icy happen. Arctic to see polar bears, soaring high with eagles, seeing a Professor Alice Roberts rainforest alive with life. A place Anatomist, author & broadcaster for inspiring children - and for The 'World of Water' building (previously the lifelong learning. May 2021 Aquarium) in the northeast corner of the site

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INTRODUCTION OURWORLD BRISTOL

OUR CHALLENGE

attraction of global reach, an the planetary emergency and The planetary open platform for business and green economy. a unique place for the convening emergency brings of research to explore a new set urgency. Climate of discoveries and innovations change, ocean health, that will help achieve the positive “I've always found decline in biodiversity change needed. the wisest and safest and the resulting toll The existing Bristol Zoo site plans go straight in on the Earth’s systems brings a unique history in its the direction that you connections to telling stories believe to be right, and our own society is of the natural world. Founded OUR VISION a global siren call for with a pioneering vision to and to plan without every city and every understand the natural world, it fear or compromise.” is a space that is both historic Isambard Kingdom Brunel citizen to mobilise. and green in a location that We must seize hold brings together the arts, science and education with innovation of, and connect with, and entrepreneurship. Join our green spaces. us on a journey in reinventing We must find ways to the Zoo, making it relevant for the next 200 years and a protect and restore place of international renown our natural world so for innovating and showcasing that it can continue to solutions that protect and celebrate our natural world. support life in all its forms. The transformation of the site into OurWorld comes at a unique moment in time for Bristol and Bristol is at the heart of scientific the planet. Serving the local research, education, invention, community and driving change trade and storytelling. A place at a global level. Relevant, action it has occupied for over two orientated and open to all. The centuries. The 21st century following pages lay out our vision Green Enlightenment brings for the site, its connection to the the possibility to create a newly people of Bristol and beyond, interpreted public space, a visitor and its potential vital impact on

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A ZOO LIKE NO OTHER HUMANIMAL

Fusing the site's rich heritage on Bristol’s global reputation in signal to each other where to until they die? Do you really A pioneering with emerging technologies natural history film-making, its find the hidden pools of nectar. understand that you are an will enable opportunities for buoyant capacity for innovation An ever-changing See what is the unseen daily animal too? Do animals perceive and sustainable exploration and new experiences in digital technology, its restless exhibition using lives of these and many other and think about the world in the development of this where no two visits will be the appetite for radical social change AR, VR and cutting remarkable animals. same way that we do? Do they vital, prestigious and same. and its celebrated international see and hear and feel things leadership in creativity and edge audio-visual This celebration of life will help differently? They’ve been doing it historically rich site From a concept developed by theatrical story-telling. techniques to re- you understand your ancestors for far longer than we have. strips back the layers Bristol Old Vic Artistic Director examine mankind’s from deep past and inspire you Tom Morris OBE and Eden On the abandoned site of the first to imagine how it might have Why do animals come in so of history to create Project’s Professor Michael provincial zoological garden in relationship with the been to live as another kind many different sizes, and how a playground for the Depledge CBE in collaboration Britain, you can travel in time and world. of creature. Take a crab for did we end up as such giants imagination of today with ground-breaking scientists, space to interact in undreamt of example. What would it be like to compared to the vast majority of technologists and attraction ways with the wildest and most Curated by the Eden Project, this have your lunch go up from your other species? How come some and the technology of specialists from across the secret aspects of the animal festival of wonder and learning mouths to your stomach, or to species have two sexes and tomorrow. globe, OurWorld will embrace the kingdom and understand for will bring the cutting edge of urinate from apertures between others none? rapidly evolving technologies of the first time where humankind digital technology together with your eyes? Or...the 12 visual Augmented and Virtual Reality really sits within the web of life representatives of the Kingdom channels of the mantis shrimp. Come and listen to the music and live animal encounters to on Earth. of Animals to explore the ever- that so many animals make, from provide a canvas for myriad changing relationship between Consider how it would be to the songs of mice and whales performances, educational Featured attractions will include: animals of the humankind and breathe both air and water, and to rhythmic beat of cicadas and experiences and immersive art those of the natural world. the convenience, if you lost one snapping shrimps. And then installations that will ignite the • Humanimal Moving through our perceptual of your 8 legs or two claws, figure out how those animals imagination and promise a truly • Time Bridge spaces and experiencing the of being able to simply grow who don’t have ears hear it magical experience every time. • Alfred the Gorilla Lives ecosystem, it will transform another! all! Listen to the soundscapes Again and explore the fantasies of of nature changing as we lose A Bristolian attraction and oasis anthropomorpsism. With a rock in your hand and species. Is climate change of learning of global significance hologauze 2 on your eyes, you altering our weather so much and international reach building You’ll walk and fly with some will travel back 850 million years that some animals will move to of the many extraordinary and, to see the first true animals, or live elsewhere, while other new mostly unfamiliar creatures that further still to a time 3200 million species arrive? run the ecosystems of the Earth years ago when life on Earth first without ever being noticed. Take appeared. Discover in a World Humanimal is a celebration of all an ants-eye view of gigantic full of animals, that knowledge is of our fellow animals; those that snails and tremble as giant key to survival! Humanimal will have lived so far, those we live woodlice clatter by, munching on guide you in pondering those with today, and those who are chunks of decaying wood. See in questions that we overlook still to come! detail how the myriad tube feet during our busy days. What do of a five-armed starfish clamp we mean by life? Are viruses onto clams before devouring alive? How do individual animals them. Dance with bees as they change from when they are born

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An Uncaged World: You are inside the original cage of Alfred the Gorilla, star of the Bristol Zoo from 1930 to 1948. The bars are bent open. Step out into OurWorld Bristol and explore the rich diversity of living things with whom we share the planet.

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TIME BRIDGE

A Journey From Prehistory To The Distant Future

exchanging your visor for an drift away to be replaced by the An elevated walkway augmented reality telescope, it’s spectacular vistas of the super- offering astounding possible to see the top-hatted continent, Pangea. figures reopening a cave in the views across the old quarry in 1842 in the act of As time-lapse imagery Downs to the city and discovering the intact skeletons accelerates and Pangea breaks The nesting site of ice-age elephants on Durdham up, catch a glimpse among the the west of England Down. palm-like plants and conifers and allowing you of the long necked, long tailed to see into the past And now, as you swap back to sauropod dinosaurs weighing your visor, the entire vista of over 100 tonnes. Brachiosaurs Vegetation and landscape mud slip and slowly fossilises are going to be about resolutions present and future the Downs is repopulated with and Stegosaurs are also to be enclose around you as you at the top of Black Boy Hill, tabled at the Lagos COP of our precious the hyenas, rhinoceroses and seen at thunderous scale. And plunge into dense foliage at where local doctor Henry Riley Conference of 2025. As your planet, developed gigantic bears of the Ipswichian as the distant landscape rolls the southern quarter of the unearthed it in 1834, only a year visor processes your answers, Interglacial: a chilling blast of air forwards towards you, animals zoo site, where you are invited before he had the idea to found you select the year you’d like to in partnership with makes you catch your breath, of every scale are revealed to settle into the pioneering Bristol Zoo on the site. see. 2050? 2075? Or 2100? David Bull and the and the skies are filled with the from horseshoe crabs (ancient experience created by the BBC global networks of the eerie trumpeting of these lost relatives of scorpions) and giant Natural History unit, a startling Hours later, you climb to the You steady your hand on the Bristolian mastadons... dragonflies. Augmented Reality recreation highest point in the walkway, the guide rail, look down towards MyWorld Project using of the life-cycle of the agile North Tower (known locally as the Avon Gorge and beyond to the latest Augmented Your curiosity whetted, you ride And just in case you’re still carnivore Thecodontosaurus. “reality checkpoint”) where the the Severn Estuary and gasp in the walkway to the southern thinking humanity is the centre voices of David Attenborough, astonishment at the future you Reality Technology. perimeter of OurWorld, looking of the natural world, across your You can walk around the nesting Alice Roberts, David have chosen and contributed to. down into the valleys of the shoe scurries a potential human site of this wild dog-like raptor Olusoga or Greta Thunberg Gazing North across the Downs Frome and the Avon and beyond ancestor in this flourishing, of the late Triassic period in a gently ask you about your fuel it’s possible to glimpse an active them towards Bath and the dynamic world of 145 to 201 unique interactive experience consumption, your use of water, archaeological dig. Donning Midlands. You can’t resist it. million years ago – the shrew- and then as the story completes, what you eat and what you throw your visor, you can see a You flick the dial on your visor like Juramaia! a young adult leaps the wall of away, as well as discussing how flurry of activity around it and to Jurassic and the buildings the zoo and bounds back to the brave you think the Governments edge of the Downs, trips in a of America, China and Russia

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ALFRED THE GORILLA LIVES AGAIN

your earpiece tells you not to retune the dial on your visor In front of you is the worry. You are quite safe. You’re to another ecosystem. Looking original cage of Alfred in the world’s first virtual zoo. south across the transformed And yes, you can go right up site of The Lost World from the the Gorilla, star of the to the broken bars of Alfred’s restored Victorian lion enclosure, Bristol Zoo from 1930 cage and even through them as you can’t see the other visitors he grunts his way through his near the pond. They are to 1948. But the bars morning routine. Did he look concealed by the rising curve are broken. I mean at you just then? He did. Did of savannah where you can see ruined. They wouldn’t he step towards you? Did he a pride of lions approaching seem to hear when your breath steadily through the distance, keep a cow in, never quickened? pausing to scent the air. Is it you mind a gorilla. they are sensing or something The keeper is back and gently else? Through the doorway of the gestures you into the shed dated enclosure you can still see from which Alfred emerged. It As you tear yourself away you Alfred’s bedding and toys. feels risky but you go in and can’t believe you missed the A keeper seems to be cleaning – surprisingly – down into the Green pergola and viewing tower, the concrete and straw of the Central African VR chamber The Great Lake or the 'Wild enclosure. The magical zoo where a new headset envelops Island’ Human No-go zone…. stench of all of our childhoods you and remarkably you are fully is unmistakable. And as your immersed in the mountainous Each time you visit, this visor responds to the Alfred forested landscape from which rollerdex of sensory experiences Programme, the gentle giant Alfred was kidnapped soon after is changed in an ongoing suddenly peers through the his birth in 1928. investigation of past, present and doorway of his sleeping quarters. future of Zoos, captivity, freedom After 30 minutes in this now and survival. The startled keeper leaps to his vanished landscape, you emerge feet and rushes past you but blinking into the Bristol sun and

Gibbons cage on a lake island, the site is full of materials and structures from which to draw inspiration

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We propose sensitive incremental changes. The images on the following pages are the proposed 4 phases. The first phase (above) will pioneer recolonisation of the site. The Zoo closes and the site is quiet, animal shelters deserted and the lake is still. The first move is by the great Arcadia spider, created in Bristol out of reused industrial machinery.

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The second phase will see a return to nature and an enrichment of the biodiversity of the site and the provision of new infrastructure including the lush Green Pergola and Gallery Promenade with it's stepping terraces including multiple places from which to view the gardens and beyond.

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The third phase (no structural changes) will introduce performance through Augmented Reality. You can travel in time and space to interact in undreamt of ways with the wildest and most secret aspects of the animal kingdom and understand for the first time where humankind really sits within the web of life on Earth.

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The fourth phase will explore inside the biophilic structures where cutting edge technology will take you on a dance with bees as they signal to each other where to find the hidden pools of nectar.

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A SITE TRANSFORMED

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A TRANSFORMATIONAL FUTURE FOR THE ZOO GARDENS

Bristol Zoo was founded on sell it for a housing development, Roles Essence of Place For example, we have links with 22nd July 1835, by Henry Riley, a small group of entrepreneurs the Virtual Reality Laboratory, • Facilitator for the integration • Preserve the historic pattern We will work a local physician, who led the and enthusiasts, largely from the University of Lund, Sweden; of national and international of the place. formation of the Bristol, Clifton creative industries, decided to collaboratively with Vienna Cognitive Science expertise in the use of virtual • Celebrate the heritage as a and West of England Zoological take the lead from the original Hub, University of Vienna, technologies in promoting Zoological Garden of 185 leading centres Society. Shareholders at the founders and dig deep into their Austria; Centre for Research in understanding of nature and years, the 5th oldest zoo in worldwide at the time included several famous own pockets to commission this Environmental Epidemiology global environmental change. the world. Bristolians, including Isambard study. The purpose of which is forefront of research (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; • Act as a beacon for • Reinforce the character of Kingdom Brunel. to explore the support for and and the Centre for Advanced education and research that the walled garden and its into the responses of feasibility of a creative alternative Medical Learning and Simulation reflects the region's unique micro-climate. The 12 acre site of the zoo was that addresses the wonders of, humans interacting (CAMLS), University of South expertise. • Retain and enhance well chosen by its founders, and threats to, the natural world Florida, USA. • Act as a central hub which the mature specimen with virtual animals in within easy reach of the city - whilst giving a huge potential is connected to the vast trees, ponds and wildlife, virtual environments. centre and adjacent to the economic boost to the city expanses of green spaces interconnecting views and 365 acre (150 hectare) Clifton region. and woodlands nearby such sense of surprise. and Durdham Downs, and the as the Downs, Avon Gorge, • Encourage activities such important unique national nature Place In The City Leigh Woods, Ashton Court. as eating, drinking, play and reserve of the Avon Gorge, • Create an atmospheric lounging. cut through the limestone and There are many levels on which resource with a sense of • Introduce ephemeral sandstone rock during the last the Zoo could play a unique part escape, discovery and activities such as special ice age. It is a phenomenally in the future life of the city and delight. events, performance, rich resource for the study beyond. These can be broken • Respond to the climate and festivals and installations. of geology, palaeontology, down into overall themes with ecological crisis. archaeology and biodiversity. associated opportunities which • Address health and well- include: being through play, nature, Zoos, as we have known them, activities, food, outdoors, have had their day, which is Aspirations the wider green spaces, dramatically signalled by the • Be green and of global stimulating the senses. Bristol Zoo Society’s decision, significance. • Explore nature, excite the after some 185 years, to close • Be a catalyst for creating senses and celebrate great the site and move their animals innovative virtual and heritage. and activity out of the city to augmented reality • Celebrate its legacy as a zoo OurWorld their out of town estate where technologies. and links to Wild Place. Sweden they are developing 'Wild Place'. • Develop a new colonisation of the gardens and buildings. Florida Spurred by the announcement • Be independent, local, social, that the Zoological Society is resilient, sustainable and Barcelona planning to close the historic site inspiring - the perfect post and gardens to public access and Austria Covid project. Research centres we have links with around the world

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EVOLUTION OF THE SITE THROUGH SITE TODAY TIME

The Site Today gardens have become cluttered There is an abundance of 1840 1855 1874 The 12-acre site with these additions over the mature specimen trees, with Grade II Listed Buildings retains many defining years resulting in the once some exotic species of national 1. Bristol Zoological Garden elements introduced prominent orbital pedestrian loop significance, which contribute to Entrance experience introduced in 1855 creating a richly planted, green, 2. Elephant and Giraffe House in the late 19th and and the central lake losing their pleasure garden. early 20th Centuries clarity. Monuments 1888 1903 1965 including the high LADIES MILE 3. Lion House 4. World of Water, Aquarium perimeter walls, 5. Clifton Pavilion part of the central 6. Monkey Temple lake, two Grade II CLIFTON DOWNS Animal Shelters Listed buildings 7. Livingstone’s Bat Enclosure and many mature PEMBROKE ROAD 8. Reptile House BEAUFORT ROAD trees. This provides 9. Monkey House DUCHESS ROAD 10. Seal and Penguin House a rich backdrop 08 11. Hippo House and opportunity to

THE AVENUE 04 12. Butterfly Forest 07 celebrate the history CLIFTON DOWN 13. Tropical Bird House NORTHCOTE ROAD of the place. 03 14. Lemur House MILES ROAD 19 18 15. Tree Kangaroo House Most of the ‘architecture’ is 09 Supporting Buildings 16 located around the periphery 01 16. Activity Centre of the site forming part of the 13 17. Conservation Education continuous wall that encloses 20

02 GUTHRIECentre ROAD the gardens. Built form includes Maze LADIES MILE 14 11 18. Terrace Theatre the listed Main Entrance and CLIFTON DOWN 05 12 10 19. Hide Cafe & Restaurant Elephant and Giraffe House,

COLLEGE several animal shelters and 15 Buildings to be Confirmed the Clifton Pavilion which are WEST CAR PARK ROAD 21 recognised as monuments, and 17 Mature/Large Trees ROAD 06 multiple animal shelters dotted VALLEY GUTHRIE ROAD [Identified through desktop around the gardens. Several BRIDGE research. Tree survey yet to supporting buildings include the CLIFTON DOWN be conducted.] café, restaurant, activity centre, N 20. Handkerchief Tree CECIL ROAD theatre and education centre. The 21. Midland Hawthorn CLIFTON COLLEGE Handkerchief Tree in Garden Room on site

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COLLEGE FIELDS The Promenade

CLIFTON DOWN A SITE TRANSFORMED OURWORLD BRISTOL

Connectivity Buildings and Uses All figures should be treated with The Case for Bristol from the European Centre for extreme caution at this stage Environment and Human Health At the heart of a city region LDA Design were commissioned as the areas are of necessity Apart from the ‘gift' that is a very at Exeter University and the input of some 1.2 million, within 80 to undertake the initial study of approximate. However a total special site steeped in history, of Professor David Bull who is minutes train journey from the site and its potential for a potential of up to 5000m2 of Bristol has an excellent claim leading the innovative MyWorld London or Birmingham, and a project that is to become a great retained buildings and some to be the most appropriate city project at the University of population of some 20 million, fitting successor to its use as 10,000m2 of new space gives in the world to take on such a Bristol's Vision Institute. what better site than to enjoy the Zoological Gardens for almost ample opportunity for a mix of global project. The city is the wonders of our planet, and to two centuries. visitor experience, education, home of the BBC Natural History We also have the support and ponder the paths to survival of creative and commercial uses. Unit and the many production inspiration of the highly popular the species while helping to right We are driven by a passion companies that work with and Eden Project led by Sir Tim Smit the damage inflicted by human for the animal world and the A light touch ‘slow architecture’ alongside the BBC, accounting who sees the OurWorld Bristol activity? growing threat and importance approach will enable the project for over a third of natural history project as having the potential of biodiversity to our lives and to grow with opportunity and film making in the world. of doing for the animal kingdom Clifton Down Train Station is in those of future generations, but demand to produce an inspiring what Eden, the most spectacular walking distance with a short hop also by a strong belief that this place and purpose that is in tune Bristol, the UK’s only European of the UK’s Millennium projects, to Temple Meads train Station. very special site holds huge with its environmental mission, Green Capital, in 2015 partnered is doing for the plant world. Buses connect the site to the city significance in the minds of and with that of the Zoological with Paris to represent cities centre, main bus station and also many thousands of Bristolians Society, its founders, supporters across the world at the pivotal The Bristol Exploratory, Europe’s Bristol Temple Meads, and there and of visitors to the city. and Trustees. Paris COP21, and Mayor first hands on science centre, is an opportunity to improve Marvin Rees has, in tune with was the parent of Bristol’s own public transport links to the ‘Park The challenge to the design The alternative of losing the mood of the city and in Millennium Project, now known and Ride’ sites on the edge of team is to develop the site in the opportunity to housing conjunction with the Avon as ‘We the Curious’, which the city. a way that respects its history development should in truth Wildlife Trust, declared an sees OurWorld as a perfect and form, that strips it of its less be a non starter in a UNESCO ecological emergency over the complement to its site at Bristol The site’s location and scope attractive additions and creates Learning City that is so proud loss of habitat and wildlife, as Harbourside. As with ‘We for new uses provide the new buildings and structures that of its natural heritage and global reported by Steven Morris in the The Curious’, who are natural opportunity for it to become a meet the purpose. reach. Guardian on 4th February 2020, supporters in this enterprise, the high profile city-wide resource in his article: 'Bristol Declares mission is to educate through that contributes to the network of The concept of building an Ecological Emergency Over Loss hands-on/eyes-on involvement… landmarks, green infrastructure ‘undulating’ perimeter structure of Wildlife'. all with a sense of fun and and rich variety of cultural generally of one and two storeys, playfulness. spaces Bristol has to offer. It with some dramatic exceptions Bristol and the South West of will also support local initiatives, to make use of the views, is England are also fortunate in connect communities and start a strategy that maximizes the having the knowledge and skills conversations well beyond the opportunity to de-clutter, restore essential to produce the ground city's boundary. and enhance the lake and garden breaking project. We have the while maintaining its romantic expert support and advice of listed pavilions. Professor Michael Depledge

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This beautiful Midland Hawthorn tree in the Stream Garden on the site owes its unusually twisted shape to over 100 years of careful pruning by Bristol Zoo gardeners

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A hidden gem to be REIMAGINING THE SITE cherished and enjoyed for generations to come.

Hidden Gem

Constellation of City Scale Landmarks New Access Points : Private - Public Park Structure/ Legacy: Old and New Connectivity : An Asset for the Bristol Community

OurWorld Bristol will contribute to the constellation Improving the permeability of the walled garden The refined park structure will be anchored by key OurWorld Bristol will be highly connected to both of city scale landmarks, amplifying the site's as will help invite communities in to discover this heritage assets of the lake, protected architecture, the city and the wider green infrastructure network position in the collective memory of the Bristol hidden gem. precious trees and a strengthened orbital loop of the Downs, the Gorge and beyond. It will be community. experience. The protection of key assets will be a new asset for the city where every person is complemented by the introduction of landscape welcomed and encouraged to explore and imagine. and architectural statements that will contribute to a new legacy for the Zoo site.

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1. De-clutter: Remove low value animal shelters and replace with high value landscape. 6

2. Introduction of dynamic green pergola and elevated visitor route, the 2 6 Gallery Promenade, the new access points to increase site porosity and the viewing tower in the north west corner. 10 1 3. Re-imagining the lake. The north 5 11 bank will be human focused whilst the south bank will be habitat focused. 11

4. The lido bordered by circular bridge.

5. Redefine and strengthen prominent 5 orbital loop.

6. Precious trees to be protected and 2 celebrated. Pergola to integrate with 3 9 precious trees and create canopy areas 11 2 along the Gallery Promenade. 4 7. More intimate, reflective experiences 10 in capillary network gardens. 8 6 8. Bring vibrancy and life to key 6 heritage structures and water's edge.

9. ‘Wild Island’, human no-go zone. 7

10. Listed buildings and monuments to 10 11 11 be part of the experience. The pergola should have a light touch on existing high value structures to create diverse approach i.e. glass and biophilic 2 components.

11. Architecture to capitalise on views into the gardens and outwards beyond the site.

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After Dark Experience

Discover the magic of OurWorld Bristol after dark. Observe holograms of giraffes, walk across the Great Lake, explore the orbital loop by moonlight before dining amongst the illuminated gardens or plunge into the lido for a night swim.

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Green Pergola and Viewing Tower

ANATOMY • Creating a dynamic green pergola wrapping the entire site. • Key viewing tower and platform to contribute to Bristol's Bristol Zoo has a number of special constellation of towers. qualities that should be retained and enhanced. The site's reimagined anatomy comprises existing and new components and has been broken down into layers illustrating the key components that will make the OurWorld Bristol experience unique Gallery Promenade and memorable. • Offering an elevated orbital canopy visitor route covered by the Green Pergola. Stepping terraces capitalise on key vistas into the gardens. • A camouflage covering the buildings in green with a light touch on existing high value structures to create diverse approach with biophilic components.

Retained Buildings and Circulation

• Key heritage assets and listed buildings are protected and celebrated, from which the VR/AR experiences can be staged. • Prominent orbital loop is redefined and strengthened. • Network of meandering secondary paths to promote a sense of discovery. • Key structures and landscape moves act as orientation devices. • Increase site porosity by creating new entrances.

A Playground for the Imagination

• The gardens are the playground for the imagination of today and technology of tomorrow. The fusion of rich heritage and future technology creates endless experiences and opportunities for exploration, where no two visits are the same. • Amphitheatres, grottos and open flexible lawn create a stage for immersive art installations and exhibitions which promise a truly unique magical experience every time.

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Before: A view from the Clifton Downs looking into Bristol Zoo as it stands today

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After: A view from the Clifton Downs looking into OurWorld Bristol

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SUPPORTERS AND NETWORKS

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SUPPORTERS

Cabot Learning and to recognise the significant Eden Project recognizable talisman and Experience and Federation role Bristol has played in global symbol for the emergence of a environmental science and “There could be no better new Green Enlightenment.” expertise are essential “The Cabot Learning Federation, species preservation.” national or indeed global to the delivery of which represents almost destination more suited to this Sir Tim Smit 12,000 young people in more Steve Taylor, Chief Executive project. How appropriate that this highly ambitious than 20 schools across Bristol, at the start of the UN Decade project. We welcome South Gloucestershire and of Biodiversity it should begin new partners and North Somerset, is in favour its evolution! OurWorld Bristol of preserving the site for the is shaping up very well and the networks to help ongoing educational purposes of quality of the team involved develop natural future generations of Bristolians. underlines the importance of both the site and the aspiration history education, Our young people could have for a trans disciplinary cultural innovation in digital unprecedented exposure to statement that builds on Bristol’s technology, creative and learning opportunities in genuinely world leading position biodiversity, climate science and in Natural History and media. and theatrical story- local and global environmental telling and radical issues. We wholeheartedly We at Eden are delighted to be thinking for social support the proposals to build supporters of this adventure and on the legacy of Bristol Zoo’s truly believe it has the potential change. We are educational work in this space to become an Internationally fortunate in already having attracted some ground-breaking scientists, educators, technologists and attraction specialists with experience across the globe:

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91 Ways Love Food Festival to climate change and how we "91Ways works to bring the "Good food and nutrition play might feed ourselves in the 91 language communities of a huge part in mental and future. Local food is a great Bristol together using food as a physical health and wellbeing. cause for celebration too, and catalyst to cross divides, bridge When combined with the a key ingredient in the vibrancy the gaps to build a stronger, benefits offered by a deeper and energy of a place. more equal city. With inclusion connection to, and respect for and community at the heart of the natural world, the positive Love Food Festival the OurWorld Bristol, 91 Ways transformational effects on wholeheartedly supports the is very pleased to support the society, and indeed the planet project and would be delighted ambition of this project." are enormous. to be involved with others in Kalpna Woolf bringing some hugely enjoyable, ‘OurWorld Bristol’ will provide a inspirational and delicious events remarkable space for bringing to the space." people together around all the Lorna Knapman many elements of food. It is a wonderful lens through which to look at so many topics, from soil health and farming through

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Clifton College The phenomenon that is Greta MyWorld Creative Hub our universities and industries Thunberg has demonstrated the to embed a culture of R&D in “The MyWorld creative hub at “We are keen to contribute deep desire of young people to businesses of all sizes. the University of Bristol, has to the OurWorld Education have their voice heard in relation been awarded £30m from the Centre focusing on the global to environmental issues. Many At OurWorld we intend to UK Research and Innovation’s environmental challenges. have perhaps come to agree leverage MyWorld’s facilities, (UKRI) Strength in Places Fund Edtech enabled, it would allow with her when she said ‘I have skills training and R&D (SIPF) with a further £16m pupils from across the UK and learned that you are never too investments to grow an committed from an alliance the world to work together to small to make a difference.’ We ecosystem that will support the of more than 30 industry and take part in a wide range of would encourage young people translation of its interdisciplinary academic organisations who will courses in order to learn about from Bristol, and in time from all research into amazing new join forces in its five-year R&D environmental issues. The centre over the world, to come together products and experiences. programme. would support local projects by either physically or remotely OurWorld will thus become sharing expertise and resources, to share this desire to make a part of the MyWorld Creative MyWorld builds on the creative so enabling students from a wide difference.” Campus and a showcase for its range of schools in the Bristol production and technology experimental productions.” strengths of our region. Its region and beyond to make a real Nick Tolchard, Chair of Council difference. aim is to catalyse innovation Professor David Bull, Director of driven growth, by enabling Bristol Vision Institute synergy across the technology and creativity landscape, capitalising on the strengths in

A beacon for the region’s, UK’s and world’s creative sectors

A catalyst for MyWorld New jobs, businesses inward investment Creative and regional growth Campus Virtual Embedding a culture of A vehicle for research R&D across the industry Production translation and impact Spaces

Industry A model for devolved Colocation A stage for the world’s R&D funding productions

An attractor and MyWorld A global centre of producer of talent Creative research excellence R&D Hub

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Arcadia Arcadia can offer an immediate launch of OurWorld with existing “Inspired by futurist visions sculptures and new touring of the natural world, Arcadia’s show designs under production shows, sculptures and stages in the coming months. Our local have become iconic throughout fan base is strong, with 28,000 Britain and the wider world. tickets sold to the last Bristol Bringing giant creatures to life event and Arcadia’s national from recycled machinery, Arcadia profile will attract visitors from fuse art and science to forge around the country. Arcadia will immersive worlds, culminating in look to support the development boundary pushing performance of the Virtual Zoo with tailored shows like the award winning installations and programmed ‘Metamorphosis’. events.”

Drawing diverse audiences in Pip Rush Jansen, Founder & their tens of thousands, Arcadia Creative Director have appeared in city centres, stadia and public spaces across the globe – not least Bristol’s own Queen Square to mark the city’s year as European Green Capital. Building on collaborations with partners ranging from Aboriginal nations to key members of Cirque de Soleil, the Bristol project will focus on maturing audiences with an emphasis on families while supporting a new wave of local talent.

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boomsatsuma Engine Shed, Bottle Yard Studios, We The Curious come together to build a better Tobacco Factory Theatres, The world; and OurWorld would “boomsatsuma is a disruptive Royal Photographic Society and “We wholly offer our support complement our aims perfectly. education provider, bringing Films@59. to the proposition of OurWorld, Bristol, and the world, needs opportunity to the heart of Bristol and the evolution of the current spaces which connect and communities, connected with Bristol School of Acting was Bristol Zoo site in this ambitious empower people, and enable the city's vibrant and expanding established by boomsatsuma and inspirational project. As a them to share collaborative, creative industry sector. in 2020, alongside Gaming, space which is much loved by creative experiences that affect Film & TV and Photography the city, we support the plans to change for the better, working Formed in 2011, we have degrees accredited by Bath transform the site into a space collectively to solve the big evolved from creating arts Spa University. boomsatsuma which celebrates biodiversity, human challenges which we all projects for young people won the 2020 Bristol Diversity and encourages people to face.” to become Bristol’s leading Award for Education, recognising take action for a better, more independent creative industry an ongoing commitment to sustainable future. Donna Speed, Chief Executive educator. Over 400 students, inclusivity and diversity.” many drawn from Bristol’s As the first science centre in marginalised communities, Stuart Wood, Executive Director the world to declare a climate study for diplomas located with emergency, we’re passionate industry partners, including about connecting people to

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NETWORKS As with our ‘slow architecture’ traced potential networks in Connections: Green Infrastructure approach to the site, we would Bristol as a starting point which and Viewing Towers like our networks to grow and could then be developed. These gather momentum in Bristol, include themes such as research the region and globally. We and development, green will endeavour to find ways to infrastructure, a constellation of involve as many individuals viewing towers and local food and organisations as possible production. to influence and contribute to Proposed Balloon creating OurWorld. We have The Downs The Observatory

Connections: Research and St Andrews Park Development Leigh Woods Wild Place Downs Water Tower Bristol Aquarium Avon Gorge & Suspension Bridge Downs Wildlife Project OurWorld Film Production Cos Castle Park Bristol University Brandon Hill

Ashton Court Bristol Museum OurWorld We The Curious and Art Gallery Cabot Tower Shot Tower

Avon Wildlife Trust BBC Natural History Unit Greville Smyth Park

U.W.E DEFRA

Natural History Musuem

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