Breathing space granted to help planned move
The Tropical Zoo, whose lease expires on 30th September 2010 was due to leave Syon Park as part of the Hotel development and restoration of the Grade I Listed parkland for which planning consent was granted in March 2004.
After having nearly eight years notice to leave Syon Park by September 2010, The Tropical Zoo has found it very difficult to find a suitable alternative site. However The Tropical Zoo has now been offered a site adjacent to the Hounslow Urban Farm on land owned by the London Borough of Hounslow. A formal planning application is due to be submitted in mid September and assuming that consent is forthcoming, The Tropical Zoo will be able to complete its move in the next twelve months.
Once The Tropical Zoo has vacated, the building it occupies will be demolished and the area restored back to parkland which will be accessible to the general public via the permissive footpath which enters Syon Park through the Duchess Gate on London Road.
The Duke of Northumberland, whose family have owned Syon Park for over four hundred years said “I am very pleased to have been able to work with The Ability Group, the developers of London Syon Park, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, to assist The Tropical Zoo on this occasion and offer my best wishes for its successful relocation within the Borough of Hounslow.”
Tony Purdy, the owner of The Tropical Zoo said “I am extremely grateful to both the Syon Estate and The Ability Group in allowing me to stay on at Syon Park for a further twelve months in order to allow me to complete my move to the Hounslow Urban Farm. This extra year allows us to build our new visitor centre, which will provide better homes for our rescued animals. It also allows us to continue our important education and conservation work with local schools and families, who we would like to thank for their continued support over the last 20 years. We understand there can be no extension beyond September 2011 and there is a great deal of work to be done to ensure a successful move before that date. It is hoped that planning consent for the new premises will be granted well before Christmas so that work on site can begin shortly afterwards.”
Andreas Panayiotou, the Chairman of The Ability Group, said “London Syon Park, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel has many surprises for guests, from the unique butterfly house in the lobby to trout fishing and ‘landscape’ dining in one of the hotel’s five restaurants. Whether here in Syon Park or close by in its new home, The Tropical Zoo adds yet another exciting experience for families staying with us. We are pleased to make the transition for the zoo to its new premises as smooth and manageable as possible.”
September 28, 2010