Greater Manchester could be getting its first zoo in 45 years with flamingos and meerkats

Plans are in place to open Greater Manchester’s first zoo in over forty-five years, complete with flamingos, meerkats and owls.

Nearly a decade ago, Hopwood Hall College created livestock and horticultural zones at its Middleton Campus in order to offer an animal management education course unique within the city region.

And now, it plans to open up to the public and expand its animal enclosures, creating the region’s first zoo since the Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, which closed in 1977.

It is hoped that by opening the enclosures to the public and running the eight-acre site commercially, the college will bring in enough cash to maintain the facility for educational purposes.

The expansion will see the college host events such as birthday parties and school visits, as well as ‘animal experiences’ with creatures such as meerkats, flamingos and owls.

Planning papers submitted to Rochdale council read: “The college sees this offering as a really positive thing in the community with social value providing a unique offering to the community as well as inspiring younger people to get into the associated courses and careers with animals.

“Its unique offering as an educational facility in this area of expertise gives a real USP [unique selling point] to the borough and attraction of students.”

The documents add that the facility also offers a great resource for student and staff wellbeing due to its green space and the opportunity to interact with animals.

The documents continue: “The college has found this has a really positive impact on the college’s users beyond just the course students.”

Original plans for a ‘Manchester Zoo’ covering more than 150 acres of land around the college were revealed to the public back in 2020 with council support.

However, these plans were repeatedly delayed thanks to financial difficulties. 

Visit the Hopwood Hall College website for more information on its animal academy.