A newly transformed area of mature woodland into a Central African forest landscape for animals and visitors alike has opened at Bristol Zoo Project.
The new immersive gorilla habitat first gained planning permission by South Gloucestershire Council in 2024, which forms a key early phase of the wider landscape-led masterplan, which Bath-based landscape architects Grant Associates have been developing with Bristol Zoological Society since 2021.
A new home for the society’s troop of critically endangered wester lowland gorillas, the space is already being explored.
Grant Associates led the masterplan and landscape design of the habitat from concept through to planning, detailed design and delivery, working alongside architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS) and engineering firm Momentum along with a wider consultant team. Andrew Grant, founder and director, comments:
“Designing landscapes for animals demands a different way of thinking about place. The landscape must support animal welfare first and foremost, while also creating meaningful experiences for visitors.”
Across the site, structures are finished in a calibrated ‘invisible green’ to allow architecture and infrastructure to recede into the woodland backdrop.
Friends based around St George Park organised the planting of 30,000 bulbs in Bristol with around 70 volunteers, which were then mowed over by council staff.
Planted on just a few days prior, Bristol City Council says it recognises the “upset and concern” caused by the incident, which is now being investigated.
Ailie Tam, one of the members part of the planting, stands in disbelief and says the eventual “waste of time, money and effort was really demoralising.”
After months of planning and liaising with the council’s conservation and parks teams, as Tam explains, the planting was part of wider plan to help wildlife thrive in the park.
Money was raised to plant the bulbs by selling bags of duck food.
A Bristol City Council spokesperson responds: “We recognise the upset and concern this incident has caused the local community.
“Officers are investigating the events around the mowing of this area and will liaise directly with the ward councillors and local volunteers to address the situation.”
Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd has announced that after 55 years, it has transformed into Elmtree Landscapes Ltd after years of growing into the industry.
Founded by Keith Lynch in 1969, the company focussed on domestic gardens and small commercial projects throughout its early years.
Since then, Elmtree has increasingly delivered landscaping projects, such as new-build developments and public spaces like the raised timber walkway at Bristol Zoo Project.
“Landscapes simply fits better. It reflects the scale, variety, and ambition of what we do today, and where we’re headed next,” writes the company on LinkedIn.
Elmtree assures customers that its values and commitments will remain the same, but looks forward to the next chapter.
Urban real estate developer, Hammerson, receives the green light for its plans to enhance Quakers Friars in Bristol by the city’s council.
The planning approval means work can begin to increase accessibility, cultural amenities and landscaped public space. Hammerson wants to introduce new cultural uses, focussing on flexible exchange for community and creative events.
With plans to invest in the Friary Building, adjacent retail units will also be transformed with the potential for more services like healthcare and workspaces, adding to the recently opened restaurant Six by Nico.
Harry Badham, chief development and asset repositioning officer at Hammerson comments:
“Thoughtful investment into public spaces and the surrounding buildings will unlock a new cultural and community hub for the city.”
This comes as part of Hammerson’s ongoing commitment to Bristol city centre, following its programme of investment into Cabot Circus.
Revised proposals for the final stage of the Wapping Wharf regeneration scheme have been submitted, following a two-year consultation.
If approved, the plans will provide “sustainable” new accommodations, retail facilities and workspaces, with additional public green spaces and balconies to support the local wildlife and improve the biodiversity of the city docks.
Property developer Umberslade submitted the proposals following a two-year consultation with Wapping Wharf traders, residents, stakeholders, advisory bodies and the wider public.
Notable changes made in the revised proposal include a redesign of the CARGO building to correspond to the existing shipping containers, with multi-planting schemes situated on new walkways and external staircases.
Stuart Hatton, managing director of Umberslade, says: “We have listened very carefully to the feedback from all parties and worked over a considerable period of time to ensure we respond and make changes where possible, whilst maintaining the overall integrity of the design and our vision for these final phases of Wapping Wharf.”
A full planning application has been submitted for phase one of the proposal situated on the west side, comprising of blocks, one, two and three which includes approximately half of the new homes being built and the CARGO building.
The east side application has been outlined; this space includes the 53,800 sq ft flexible workspace and the remaining homes.
Natural stone paving provider London Stone has opened its eighth showroom in Bristol.
Located in Filton, Bristol, the new 380m2 showroom features hard landscaping material displays, including natural stone, porcelain, clay pavers, composite decking, cladding, pergolas and planters.
Managing director Steve Walley says: “We’re really excited to open our latest showroom in Bristol. We’re looking forward to establishing a relationship with the local community, and hope to increase footfall to the surrounding businesses. I am incredibly proud of the new showroom, it’s looking fantastic, and is a great setting to view our materials in situ.”
The Bristol showroom marks the second London Stone showroom to open this year, the first being located in Hampshire, with another showroom scheduled to open in Altrincham, Greater Manchester later this year.
All London Stone materials and products are carbon neutral. The hard landscaping supplier was certified carbon neutral in March this year.
