Wirral firm to build safari-style lodges at Chester Zoo

The partnership project between Starship and Chester Zoo will see the development of 51 savannah-inspired properties, promising visitors 'a hotel stay unlike any other' at the popular attraction that are set to open to guests next year.

Each lodge will be able to accommodate up to six people and either overlook a central lake or giraffe habitat.

The area will also be home to a restaurant and welcome area, and those staying will also be able to access, according to Starship, 'exclusive experiences which will help to further connect them with the wildlife that their stay will be helping to support'.

Computer-generated image of the savannah-inspired lodges that are to be built by Wirral firm Starship at Chester Zoo (Image: Jayne Moore Media) The 'ambitious' new development is described as 'a key part of Chester Zoo’s long-term plans for how the zoo will look, and will play a huge part in supporting its even more ambitious conservation plan'.

The zoo is visited by more than 2,000,000 people every year, is home to 37,000 animals and is situated in 128 acres of zoological gardens.

The safari homes project is Starship’s first development with Chester Zoo. 

Dave Dargan, the company's chief executive, said: "We are very excited to be working with the team at Chester Zoo to design and build these amazing news lodges.

Computer-generated image of the savannah-inspired lodges that are to be built by Wirral firm Starship at Chester Zoo (Image: Jayne Moore Media) "The new savannah-inspired lodges in the new Heart of Africa development will provide a unique opportunity to connect people to nature like never before through close-up experiences, exploring an array of wildlife, and waking up to sunrise at Chester Zoo. 

“We have been working with Chester Zoo with a common aim, to provide an exceptional experience in one of the world’s very best conservation zoos.

"This is another great project that will showcase the unrivalled bespoke offering we have to the accommodation market."

“Chester Zoo’s contribution to species conservation is recognised on a global scale, and we are proud to be working on such a significant project with them”.