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NEW ZOO DESIGNS A ‘HOWLING’ SUCCESS

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Idom Merebrook, one of the UK’s leading civil engineering and environmental consultancies, was appointed to manage the design and development of a series of new enclosures and animal houses at Blackpool Zoo.

Blackpool Zoo is one of the leading tourist attractions in the North West and has undergone significant changes in recent years with the addition of several new species, and the provision of new first class new homes and enclosures for their animals.

The design and engineering team at Idom Merebrook, were tasked to both create new enclosures, and renovate and extend some of the existing exhibits. This required the development of bespoke engineered solutions, in order to address the complex requirements of individual animal enclosures.

The design specification of each exhibit varied greatly, depending on the animals themselves – some required water features, some required fortified security, others had to accommodate tall or heavy species. It was imperative that animal welfare was the priority, while security, aesthetics and minimizing disruption to visitors were all considerations.

One of the zoo’s most popular attractions is the Active Oceans exhibit. The sea lion pool was originally built in the 1970s when the park first opened on its current site. Today, the same pool is still the biggest in the UK but has undergone an amazing transformation from drab concrete to a natural, modern and sea lion-friendly environment, with huge glass windows so that visitors can get up close to the animals.zoo

A 250-seater arena has also been erected enabling visitors of all ages to sit and enjoy the wild life experience. Idom Merebrook designed the terraced seating area with accessibility in mind, making it as easy as possible for the less mobile, and for visitors with pushchairs or wheelchairs, the design also laid foundations to allow construction of a future canopy.

For this exhibit, Idom Merebrook prepared the topographic surveys, the conceptual drawings, designed a new extended glass panel viewing area over a refurbished beach and new pens incorporating a high level waterfall feature. All public access and viewing areas were rock themed, and new buildings to house the pumps and filters were designed.

Active Oceans also comprises the penguin enclosure, and the only group of Magellanic penguins in the UK. This was a new build design created by Idom Merebrook and includes an above ground tank with viewing windows, a beach and habitat area, separate penguin house, main filter and mechanical building with public viewing area and access ramp.

This natural rock themed pool and surrounds offers visitors a clear view through large glass windows of the penguins’ activity under the water. The innovative design means that visitors get a great view of the streamlined super-swimmers underwater.

Among the newest additions to the zoo, the wolf pack occupies a vast wooded area on the northwest corner of the park known as Wolf Ridge. This has also been a newly designed enclosure, with extensive security fencing and ramped viewing areas together with new accommodation and facilities for the wolves.

At Wolf Ridge, Idom Merebrook prepared the topographic survey, the conceptual drawings and the planning application together with specific details of the viewing panels, secure fencing and the wolf building.

In the Orangutan exhibit, Merebrook carried out the site investigation, structural review and topographic survey of the existing development and then prepared the concept drawings and the planning application for a new look enclosure. The team prepared the detailed design and construction drawings for the building frame, foundations, floors, drainage, cladding, heating and ventilation and electrical distribution.

Special details for the Orangutans included the internal safety nets and roof access for maintenance, together with high-level ladders, platforms and layouts for the fully netted external paddock extension. Detailed drawings were also produced for high security doorways, ape cross overs, keeper access and pens.

For the zoo’s younger visitors the Playbarn was given an overhaul. A large, steel framed building was created with special timber cladding to the façade to give the appearance of a traditional barn. The internals were set out with blockwork walls to separate animal enclosures from the visitors, and a special feature for play and washing was included near the entrance. Idom Merebrook designed the new floors, walls, special cladding and external access areas.

The team also detailed the works for removal of an existing light rail track and turntable, landscaping of the old route and reinstallation adjacent to the play barn.

Mark Bradbury, Director of Civil Engineering at Merebrook, commented:

“This was a very interesting and challenging project for us. The design was required to prioritize the welfare of the animals, while providing an outstanding visitor experience for Blackpool Zoo’s visitors. The exhibit showcases some of Merebrook’s unique design skills and our ability to provide bespoke solutions to client’s specific requirements.”

 For further information on Idom Merebrook visit www.merebrook.co.uk