Case Study
The Square
Location:
Chester Zoo
Project type:
Renovation/ Extension
Project value:
£3 million
Client:
Read Construction
Completion:
2022
Project overview
JPS provided full structural design services to Read Construction for the renovation and extension of the original stable block at Chester Zoo to create The Square, a unique wedding and events venue.
Located within the heart of the zoo, the Grade II listed building has been carefully transformed into a versatile destination featuring a large open-plan event space and a collection of smaller meeting rooms. The project combined sensitive heritage restoration with modern structural interventions, preserving the building’s historic character while delivering a contemporary venue that celebrates the site’s origins dating back to the 1930s.
The engineering challenge
The scheme presented several challenges, including:
- Renovating and extending a Grade II listed building while preserving its historic significance and original character.
- Integrating modern event and hospitality facilities within a heritage structure.
- Developing structural solutions that enabled large, flexible open-plan spaces within the existing building.
- Ensuring new extensions were sympathetic to the architectural and historical features of the original stable block.
- Retaining and showcasing original building elements while meeting current performance and usability requirements.
The engineering solution
JPS was responsible for:
- Providing full structural engineering design services for the renovation and extension works.
- Developing structural solutions to facilitate the transformation of the stable block into a wedding and events venue.
- Supporting the refurbishment and preservation of the existing Grade II listed structure.
- Designing structural elements required for the new extensions and alterations.
- Working closely with the project team to retain key heritage features and character throughout the development.
- Delivering practical engineering solutions that enabled flexible event spaces while respecting the building’s historic fabric.
The outcome
- The original stable block was successfully transformed into The Square, a distinctive wedding and events venue at Chester Zoo.
- Historic architectural features were preserved and incorporated into the finished development, celebrating the building’s heritage.
- The venue provides a large open-plan events space alongside a range of smaller meeting and function rooms.
- The project has given new purpose to a significant heritage building that forms part of Chester Zoo’s history.
- The completed development enhances Chester Zoo’s visitor and events offering while safeguarding an important part of the site’s legacy.
