Foster's to revamp London Zoo aviary

Foster & Partners has been appointed to redevelop the aviary at London Zoo in Regent’s Park.

The grade II* listed structure was completed in 1965 by Cedric Price with Frank Newby and Lord Snowdon and was recently put on Historic England’s at risk register – which brings attention to the sites across England that are at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.

The aviary was the first in Britain that offered visitors a ‘walk-through’ experience, bringing them closer to the birds in their natural habitat. The structure will now be modernised and upgraded to provide a brand new walk-through home for the Zoo’s troop of colobus monkeys.

Foster’s is working for zoo owner ZSL and the architect’s chairman Norman Foster said: “The redevelopment of the aviary is a unique opportunity to preserve this exceptional structure and the legacy of pioneering architecture at ZSL London Zoo. It will be a great privilege to be able to contribute to the tradition of contemporary architectural additions at one of London’s most cherished institutions.”

In April, ZSL was handed a £301,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the development stage of the work.