Wynne Construction wins contract to build big cat enclosure

28-May-2019

Wynne Construction has been appointed by the National Zoo of Wales for the Welsh Mountain Zoo's 'Silk Road' project. The new £1million enclosure will house the centre's rare snow leopards, one of the world's most endangered species

Visitors will enjoy a 'nose to nose' experience with the leopards through glass as well as an elevated walkway offering panoramic views across the zoo and the Carneddau Mountains in Snowdonia.

The plans also include a themed children's indoor play area and displays on the Chinese culture, language, and environment, which is closely associated with the snow leopard.

And the scheme, which is due to start in Autumn 2019, is good news for North Wales, says Simon Moreton from Wynne Construction.

He said: "We're looking forward to working with the Welsh Mountain Zoo to deliver its ‘Silk Road’ vision, and pleased to be working on a project which will boost tourism in the region. It's hugely important to us to employ a local workforce and supply chain during construction, which will in turn contribute to economic growth and sustainability in the area.

"This contract continues our work across North Wales, which includes Coleg Cambria's Yale site redevelopment, Rhyl Travelodge, and the Conwy Culture Centre."

Jennifer Jesse, director of operations and administration at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, added: "This is an important milestone for us and we’re incredibly pleased to have secured full planning approval as well as having timescales in place for this wonderful development.

"It's also a great opportunity to formally announce details of our construction partner, Wynne Construction, who I’m sure will deliver a first-class consultancy and build service to us for this highly anticipated project. The 'Silk Road' is an incredibly important project for us that not only gives a new home to our snow leopards, but delves far deeper into the natural habitat and the wider environment in which this species lives."

The Welsh Mountain Zoo cares for a family of snow leopards, with the cat’s total population estimated to be between 3,920 and 6,390. Opened in 1963, the zoo was recognised in 2008 as the National Zoo of Wales. In the trusteeship of the National Zoological Society of Wales, it is making an increasingly important contribution to the conservation work of zoos nationally and worldwide.

 

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