Henry Brothers tops out £25m conservation building

Work on a “world-class” global conservation centre at Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire has reached a major milestone.

Building work on the £25m facility, which the zoo says will be a hub for its global conservation work, scientific research, and education programmes, began in June.

Plans for the development include a 200-seat lecture theatre overlooking a new Bornean orangutan habitat, as well as a two-storey residential facility to accommodate visiting experts and students.

The centre has received £18m from the government’s levelling up fund, which is the largest single government grant ever awarded to a UK zoo.

“The topping out of the orangutan building marks a milestone in the construction of this exciting development which will also feature a two-storey building with lecture theatre, research and teaching spaces, and a science lab, along with a two-storey residential facility,” said Ian Taylor, managing director of main contractors Henry Brothers Construction.

“The Henry Brothers team is thrilled to be working with our partners on a world-class project that will make a game-changing contribution to the fight against extinction for endangered wildlife and we are looking forward to progressing with the other elements of this state-of-the-art scheme.”

Around 90 jobs are expected to be created by the development, which is also forecast to add £3.9m to the local economy every year.

The development is expected to be fully completed in 2027.

Craig Dunkerley, chief executive of Twycross Zoo, added: “Reaching this stage of the Global Conservation Centre is a landmark moment for Twycross Zoo. This isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it’s about the bold future we are building for wildlife, and the extraordinary opportunities it will create for scientists, students, and conservationists to work together to protect endangered species.

“The centre embodies our vision to inspire the next generation of wildlife heroes and make a lasting impact on global conservation.”

Partners delivering the project include HLM Architects, civil and structural engineer Hexa, and Couch, Perry, Wilkes for mechanical and electrical engineering.