Bristol Zoological Society has appointed a former BBC and Ministry of Defence boss to manage the organisation's plans as it moves from its Clifton site after 186 years.
Francesca Fryer will oversee the sale of Bristol Zoo Gardens and lead a programme to create a new zoo on the site of the organisation’s Wild Place Project in South Gloucestershire. She will also manage the sale of other Clifton properties belonging to the zoological society.
Zoo bosses said the decision to relocate, which was first announced in November, followed years of declining visitor numbers to Bristol Zoo Gardens and financial losses caused by Covid-19. The Clifton site is due to close in late 2022, with the new zoo opening in 2024.
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In four of the last six years, the organisation has operated at a loss, it said. Bosses said they hoped the new strategy would “safeguard” the charity’s future.
“It is a hugely exciting time to be joining Bristol Zoological Society,” said Ms Fryer, who joined the society last month.
“In this role I have an amazing opportunity to help the society realise its strategic ambitions as a leading conservation charit and to create a world-class zoo that resets the standard for a modern, forward-looking zoo in the 21st century.”
Ms Fryer was previously director of estates at University College London (UCL) and was in charge implementing its £1bn estate transformation programme as well as managing the day-to-day operation of the Bloomsbury campus.
She has also worked at the BBC and Ministry of Defence in strategic transformation roles, as well as in the private sector advising companies on their real estate portfolios.
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“I’m looking forward to playing a part in helping the organisation achieve even greater success through its conservations programmes both here and in the field and through expanded educational programmes,” she said.
“What we will create with the new Bristol Zoo will be something Bristol can be proud of, and that future generations can enjoy for many years to come.”
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The plans for the site in Clifton include creating an ‘urban conservation hub’ in the zoo’s entrance building.
Under the proposals, it would also become the base of the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project community and conservation programmes, with an exhibition centre and cafe.
Dr Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society, added: “We have created this new position within the organisation because we are about to embark upon this extraordinary transformation project and we need people with the right experience to help us achieve it.
“Francesca brings a real depth of experience and her combination of skills are exactly what we need within the organisation at this time. Her vast experience will be invaluable in helping shape and deliver the next stage in the exciting future of the organisation.”