Manchester Zoo is one step closer after 150-acre site is found

In case you hadn’t heard already, Greater Manchester is set to get its very own zoo, and the plans just got one step closer.

Manchester Zoo has located a site in Rochdale, with the local council confirming they were in talks over the proposals.

According to the Manchester Evening News, a huge 150-acre site of council land around the Middleton campus of Hopwood Hall College has been identified as a potential spot for the zoo.

Manchester Zoo / Facebook

The next steps will include a public consultation on the project, which is expected to happen over summer, while formal planning applications could be submitted by the end of the year.

Johnpaul Houston is the man behind plans to bring a zoo to Manchester, with the zoologist previously working as the assistant head keeper at Blackpool Zoo.

He’s now presented a ‘vision document’ to the council and the project has been discussed by the council’s ruling cabinet, where the plan reportedly received ‘unanimous support’.

Manchester Zoo / Facebook

Mr Houston’s business plan includes lions and other big cats, penguins, flamingos, birds of prey, giraffes and monkeys, and he says he’s already secured millions in private funding.

However, he added that there will be major emphasis on conservation, education and helping to save species that are under threat.

It says on the website: “Manchester Zoo brings the wildlife of the world to Manchester! We are focused on creating an immersive experience, pairing incredible animal habitats with exciting new technology! We will support important conservation projects and conduct research to benefit animals both at home and abroad.”

Manchester Zoo / Facebook

You can head over to the website and Facebook page for more info.

So what do you think, are you excited for another zoo in the North West?