Bristol Zoological Society has appointed a team of architects and designers to take forward plans for the redevelopment of the Zoo Gardens site.
The society, which owns and operates Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place Project, announced plans in 2020 to sell the historic site and relocate from Clifton after 186 years.
Zoo bosses said the decision to move followed years of declining visitor numbers to Bristol Zoo Gardens and financial losses caused by Covid-19.
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The Clifton site is due to close in late 2022, with the new zoo opening at the site of the Wild Place Project in South Gloucestershire in 2024.
The team of designers will be led by London-based architecture practice Penoyre & Prasad, which is working with LUC landscape architects and heritage and conservation specialists Alan Baxter.
The society said Penoyre & Prasad had an environment-first philosophy, making them a "natural partner" for the redevelopment.
Penoyre & Prasad have won dozens of architectural awards, including RIBA National Awards, and are known for projects in sensitive locations.
Estate agents Savills has been appointed to support the proposals through the planning and marketing of the site.
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Bristol Zoological Society are lining up a planning application, which would see the Zoo Gardens site transformed into a residential-led scheme. The society says the importance of good quality, eco-friendly low-carbon homes is "fundamental" to any potential scheme.
Under the plans, the green space at the heart of the site would be enhanced to encourage greater biodiversity, with consideration of public access to the gardens beyond the Clifton Conservation Hub.
A period of public consultation will begin over the summer when Bristol Zoological Society will be meeting with, and listening to feedback from, a range of interested groups including neighbours and Clifton residents.
In April, the society appointed former BBC and Ministry of Defence boss Francesca Fryer to manage the organisation's plans.
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"It’s an exciting time for us, we have a clear direction and are pleased to have appointed a strong design team who can help us realise our ambitious plans in the best possible way," she said.
"We are looking forward to listening to all our stakeholders, including residents, and will involve them in shaping our plans.
"We will then share more detailed plans for the Clifton site for consultation later this year as well as updates on our exciting vision for the new Bristol Zoo at the Wild Place Project site."