Time will tell, as I noted; although this was before my time and someone such as @gentle lemur would be able to speak on the matter more accurately, one of the factors leading to the closure of the previous major zoo in the area (Belle Vue) was a drop in footfall due to competition with Chester Zoo.
Belle Vue was a life time ago, things change, the population has increased, it seems the is investment in the area but as you say we will see.
Actually, the population of Manchester is roughly the same now (at just over half a million) as it was in the 1970's when Belle Vue closed - although it has increased in the last decade or so, this was subsequent to a drastic population reduction spanning from the 1930's (when the population was about 750,000) to the mid-1990s (when the population hit a low of under 400,000). The surrounding areas of Greater Manchester have remained more or less level in population over the last 40 years, with the exception of Salford (which has reduced in population markedly), Wigan, and Bolton (both of which have increased in population by about 25,000 in the last decade) Also, Belle Vue only closed 41 years ago hardly a lifetime ago.
The UK is well stocked with zoos while dreams of new or revitalized facilities are rampant. The success of this venture will surely depend on a strong vision, an identity and experience that is unlike Chester with the creativity to remain fresh and unique. It can be done and apparently there is sufficient financial backing to begin. The first exhibits will need to make a memorable splash.
I guess that population decline could explain how Chester and Belle Vue managed to co-exist for nearly fifty years before Belle Vue closed. I really hadn't realised there was a population decline in the area, was this to do with a change in the fortunes of the cotton trade?
Not exactly, although wider de-industrialisation did play a part; the predominant factor was a policy of slum clearance in the inner city and the relocation of displaced populations to new housing developments in satellite towns and villages - places such as Glossop, Hattersley, Langley and Rochdale.
Well, former assistant headkeeper at Blackpool (have I got that right?) is a long way from launching what appears to be planned as a major general zoo from scratch. There's talk of a business plan. Is there a broad figure for the capital cost?
I think the relative difficulty of transport for many prior to the 1970s was relevant, and Belle Vue was a very different attraction to Chester.
Just dropping in to say this is very exciting and I'm looking forward to this. It will be nice to have another zoo in easy access! Agh, that just reminds me that I didn't get to go to any other UK zoo other than Chester this year
If you knew Johnpaul as I do, you would agree that he is more than qualified for the role. He is one of the most intelligent and passionate people I have ever met in the industry; and the team behind him are also fantastic.
Let's remind people of the background of the people who run zoos in the UK! Many of which especially in smaller collections were not zookeepers many of them enthusiasts and hobbyists. Some were petshop owners, marketing managers or even never worked in a zoo setting in their lives! And many were born out of other businesses such as garden centres etc. Ofcourse most of these establishments have employed experienced zoo managers/curators underneath them. The gentleman mentioned Johnpaul would definitely be on the list for one of the most experienced people to open up a zoo in recent years for sure!
A major zoo is a major business, and needs a range of skills. Some roles require specialist knowledge of zoology; some require specialist knowledge of finance, engineering, catering etc etc
I don't know the gentleman at all. The point I was making was that a project of this scale is going to need a range of skills.
