Tiger Tropics : West Midlands Safari Park
Services provided:
Concept Design
Stakeholder Engagement & Workshops
Landscape & Exhibit Design
Soft Landscape design
3D model / CGI Visualisations
Planning Application Support
Detailed Design
Production of Landscape tender packages
On-site support
Safari Lodges - Tiger Tropics
Project overview
The next phase of the Masterplan will see four new tiger lodges developed on a brownfield site at West Midlands Safari Park. The site currently houses outdated animal facilities and is underused. However, the development proposals adjacent to the site’s existing lake will inject new life into this park area. The site will be developed to accommodate the park’s pair of tigers in a new landscaped habitat. This facility will include modern tiger housing, a large outdoor reserve including pools, undulating landforms, climbing features and new planting.
Throughout the design development, we have worked with the park’s animal and in-house design teams to ensure that we are promoting animal welfare and wellness through the design. This work phase will also introduce four new luxury-themed lodges with associated private viewing areas complete with hot tubs. This will provide guests with up-close views of the animals. Proposed and sympathetic viewing structures and public footpaths have been designed to maximise the viewing opportunities for day visitors on foot making this a unique and immersive experience for all.
The overall design includes a thoughtful selection of plants and rustic materials to evoke Asia’s spirit and respect the site’s existing biodiversity and context. Biodiversity and sustainability have formed critical considerations in the design process. We have worked with a team of ecologists to ensure we are enhancing and promoting local biodiversity on site, using native species chosen to support native habitats and wildlife.
(NOTE - Image credit to West Midland Safari Park)
Client : West Midlands Safari Park
Location : Kidderminster, UK
Year : 2021 - 2022
Project Team : WMSP team / Newman Gauge / Dearadh Zu / Painter Architects
Key project features
One of the main aspirations of the scheme was to maximise the Lion's space on such a challenging site. To achieve this, we thought creatively about blending the new Lion building within the landscape and providing the Lions with access onto one of the building's roof spaces to create elevated vantage points and present visitors with a unique viewing experience.
In addition to a new Lion House, outdoor habitat, and indoor viewing, the development will include several other exciting visitor features, such as a themed African Boma Village, complete with new catering, toilet, and play provisions. As well as creating several immersive viewing opportunities.
In addition to developing habitats for the Lions, the design & zoo teams have been working closely with ecologists to ensure we are conserving and enhancing existing landscape and biodiversity on site. New native planting, the creation of habitat homes through the use of felled dead wood, the provision of varied substrates, and the enhancement of the Roman River corridor are steps we are taking to ensure this development not only complements but also enhances the wider landscape corridors and connections. As a design team, we are prioritising sustainability and green technologies and ensuring we deliver our BNG targets
