Rockhampton and Perth zoos are undergoing multimillion-dollar redevelopments to improve their operational requirements for visitor and animal welfare. Renovations are expected to increase the zoos’ annual visitors, drawing in more revenue to support their conservation missions.
Construction has begun on a $16.5-million function centre and cafe at Perth Zoo, a “central meeting place” for visitors, and the first stage in the zoo’s $180 million transformation, designed by Christou Design Group.
The practice said the design will “embody the zoo landscape and vernacular”, and biophilic design principles have played a “vital role” in the architectural expression. The buildings have both been designed to be contemporary and timeless, and embrace their unique environment.
“Similarities win the material palettes between the cafe and function centre provide continuity in language,” Christou said, “However, the facilities are ultimately treated as independent buildings with their own identities.”
The function centre is designed with a “dynamic public facade” to create dialogue with the street, where the cafe is immersed within its public botanical setting as a “subservient” element against the landscape, creating a new alfresco dining area adjacent to the zoo’s main lawn.
Christou Design Group said the project aspires to connect visitors with the wildlife through immersive spaces, to inspire conservation and welfare efforts among patrons.
Perth Zoo received an initial $13.5 million investment from state government for the project, but has been allocated a total $51 million in government funding as part of the overall redevelopment of the zoo. Additional funds will be raised thorough the year with donations sought from benefactors, philanthropy and businesses around the state.
The cafe and function centre is expected to be completed for mid-2023. The next stages of the master plan will include an expansion of the African Savannah section, an Orangatang jungle, and a conservation and science tree-top facility.
Concept designs by Cox Architecture of the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo Visitor Hub and Animal Operations Centre redevelopment.
Image:
Cox Architecture
Meanwhile in Central Queensland, concept designs for the Rockhampton Zoo and Botanic Gardens designed by Cox Architecture have been revealed.
The Zoo said the vision of the redevelopment is to “revitalize, develop and integrate the facilities, infrastructure and operational”, and will include updating the Zoo Visitor Hub, the Animal Operations Centre, and the Botanic Gardens carpark.
The lack of public toilets on the premises has reportedly been a regular complaint among zoo visitors, and the project includes detailed designs for the creation of a Central Visitor Hub featuring more public amenities for the site.
The current Operations Centre, which is nearing the end of its operational life, will also be updated to provide capacity to expand and diversify the animal collection in future.
The architect said its scheme focuses on four key principles: creating memories, increasing accessibility, bringing heritage to life, and championing excellence. The upgrades are expected to draw additional revenue to the park and create regional prominence for Rockhampton.
The full cost of the project is yet to be finalised due to current building market uncertainty, but it is estimated to cost between $9.5 million and $10.5 million.
Local council has received a $1.5 million grant from the federal government towards the construction of the Visitor Hub, while $1.4 million has been supplied from the Works for Queensland state government program to fund the Botanic Garden Playground Renewal.
Council has submitted further applications for funding. Construction tender is due to be released 7 September with a contract expected to be awarded in late November.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
