Plans have been lodged to breathe new life into the original Chester Zoo stables complex - by converting the historic building into a huge 380-capacity wedding and events venue.

The Grade Ii listed Stables Block housed zoo founder George Mottershead's first animal collection in the 1930s including two Himalayan black bears, monkeys, chimpanzees and reptiles.

Now, both listed building consent and full planning applications have been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council in order to convert the site - currently used for storage and maintenance offices along with workshops - into 'a premier wedding and events venue with a capacity for up to 380 people'.

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This is the next step in the zoo's plans to revamp the original zoo site having already transformed Oakfield House, the former home of the Mottershead family, into a stunning gastropub.

Although 'The Oakfield' can be hired for weddings and events, the maximum capacity is 120 people.

Chester Zoo has previously had plans approved back in 2019 to turn the old stables into 'a new flexible commercial, food and beverage offering'.

George Mottershead putting in labour at Chester Zoo in 1930-31

George Mottershead putting in labour at Chester Zoo in 1930-31 (Image: Mirrorpix)

However, progression of the development was delayed by the Covid pandemic and as a result a fresh evaluation of the plans was undertaken in order for the zoo to take advantage of 'the full commercial potential of the site'.

This had led to the new plans being submitted for a new wedding and events space.

The planning application, prepared on the zoo's behalf by Donald Insall Associates, states: "Like all events held at Chester Zoo, such events can help make a real difference to the future of endangered species worldwide by raising income to fund vital conservation in the UK and across the world.

"The Stable Block, Oakfield and Lodge and 11 acres of gardens and land was originally purchased by George Mottershead, Chester Zoo’s founder in 1930, and formed the then zoological boundary.

"This has since grown into the modern zoo of today. The Stable Block sits within the boundary of Chester Zoo, and its immediate environs comprise neighbouring animal habitats, and picnic and gardens areas on the site of the former Asiatic Lion habitat and the demolished monorail station.

"In early 2021, Donald Insall Associates were re-engaged to work with the Zoo to develop a concept for a premier wedding and events venue with a capacity for up to 380 people.

3D impression of the new wedding and events space venue at Chester Zoo's stable block complex.

3D impression of the new wedding and events space venue at Chester Zoo's stable block complex. (Image: Cheshire West and Chester Council planning application)

"This has led to a proposed extension to the Stable Block to provide interconnecting event and reception rooms with the spaces in the Stable Block utilised to provide supporting facilities, such a flexible use spaces, WCs, catering kitchen and plant areas.

"The scope of the refurbishment of the Stable Block is largely unchanged from that covered by the consent granted in 2019."