A new commercial outlet for Chester Zoo

This Grade II-listed house, built in the 19th century, was purchased in 1930 by George Mottershead as a home for his private collection of animals. The following year he opened up his menagerie to the public, and Chester Zoo was born. Today it is one of the largest and most visited zoos in the UK.

Donald Insall Associates was appointed to prepare proposals for restoring and enhancing Oakfield House and its setting in order to better serve the contemporary needs of the zoo. We prepared proposals for a full scheme of building repairs including re-roofing, window refurbishment, internal reordering and a comprehensive renovation to transform this historic asset into a high quality gastro-pub.

The project involved two contemporary extensions; one to provide a state-of-the-art catering kitchen and one on the main garden elevation to provide a garden room with seating for 80 additional covers.

Informed by extensive research, significant architectural such as the stained glass windows and timber panelling were sensitively conserved whilst unsympathetic modern additions were removed. Striking contemporary elements connect the new building to the old creating a distinction between the historic fabric and the contemporary intervention. The extension achieved a BREEAM “Excellent” certification.

Today, this historic asset thrives as a commercial outlet supporting the modern needs of the zoo.