Blackpool Zoo to get a new 'safari events space' if plans are approved
Blackpool Zoo is seeking permission to build a new facility - and it’s not for any of its four legged inhabitants.
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Last week, Blackpool Zoo submitted an application for the “formation of hardstanding and erection of a ‘safari’ tent, including a platform base for use as visitor event space.”
Planning documents reveal that this new “Safari Events Tent” will “provide a space for zoo functions and events as well as for corporate groups; for meetings and as a base for team building days.”
The proposed development, measuring 102 square metres, is to be located on an area of open ground currently used as a public performance and meeting place, between the main café and the birds ‘Display Arena’.
Plan drawings show that the tent will be single storey and painted a sand colour.
There will be a double timber door on the south east elevation, a single timber door on the north east elevation, and a total of 20 windows places all alongside the walls.
A spokesperson for Blackpool Zoo told the Gazette: "The safari tent would provide an additional indoor seating area for our catering department as well as giving us another option for any events.
"We enjoyed our busiest ever year in 2025 so this would help us meet growing demand while expanding our offering for both visitors and corporate guests with a unique space.”
Whilst 2025 may have been Blackpool Zoo’s busiest year, 2026 has also gotten off to a pretty impressive start.
The zoo has shared much good news over the past few months, including the arrival of Gouldian finches, three otter pups, a one-and-a-half-year-old male sitatunga, three baby king colobus monkeys and a month old red titi monkey.
Over the weekend, Blackpool Zoo also shared adorable Mother's Day footage of baby elephant Zaiya and its mum Tara- just days after Zaiya celebrated her first six months at the zoo!
This Easter, a brand new £500k giraffe development called the Kidepo Trail is set to open too.
There’s also been no better time than now to pay a visit to the zoo, as it is currently running a March Markdown initiative, offering residents a 40 per cent discount on admission throughout March.