Sydney Zoo is a new $36 million zoological park and is set to be an iconic tourist attraction located in the Bungarribee Precinct, Western Sydney Parklands. The new Sydney Zoo will work in collaboration with the Western Sydney Parklands Trust and Blacktown Council to contribute to enhancing social and cultural infrastructure in Western Sydney. ASPECT Studios was commissioned by Sydney Zoo to design the master plan for the 16.5-hectare site.
The zoo is designed with the desire to connect it with the broader landscape of the surrounding park and will have the appearance of being free of fences with enclosure devices concealed in the landscape elements. The design allows people to be in close proximity with the animals while at the same time employing best practices in animal welfare. The new privately operated zoo will feature over 30 exhibits showing popular zoo attractions from various regions around the globe as well as native Australian wildlife.
It features elevated boardwalks over African grasslands home to lions, cheetahs, zebras, elephants, giraffes and rhinos; an underwater glass view facility for hippos, crocodiles and aquatic life; native Australian reptile and nocturnal animals house featuring leading exhibit design methods; and a native fish aquarium. The master plan is based on a strategy of relating to the zoo to the broader park context by locating the tropical zoo exhibits in the centre, which gradually transitions to exhibits with drier climatic regions located toward the edge of the zoo park.
With almost 745,000 people per year are expected to visit the zoo, including 35,000 interstate and overseas visitors, Sydney Zoo will offer a range of programs that enable visitors to develop their knowledge and respect for living creatures and the environment. These education and conservation programs will increase awareness about issues such as poaching and habitat destruction. It is anticipated that Sydney Zoo will open in late 2017, pending planning approval. Source by ASPECT Studios.
Location: Western Sydney Parklands, Bungarribee, NSW 2767, Australia
Architect: ASPECT Studios
Building Architect: MISHO + Associates
Civil / Structural / WSUD Engineer: Lindsay Dynan
Planning and Communication: JBA Urban
Transportation consultant: GTA Consultants
Electrical Engineer: Evolved Engineering
Ecologist: Eco Logical Australia
Heritage: Artefact
Client: Sydney Zoo
Year: 2013 – ongoing
Images: Courtesy of ASPECT Studios