Blackpool Zoo carries out £850,000 improvements

THE Spanish owners of Blackpool Zoo has committed £850,000 to improvements this year.

Madrid-based leisure parks operator Parques Reunidos has refurbished and extended the main restaurant, which will open in February, and an outside dining area will be completed by Easter.

The restaurant overhaul, which has cost £350,000, has nearly doubled seating capacity from 240 to 460.

Jude Rothwell, marketing coordinator for the zoo, said: “Work has been on-going throughout the winter months to ensure our fantastic new restaurant is ready for the start of the main season and we are extremely happy with the results.”

The second phase of the investment programme will see a £500,000 relocation and expansion of the Children’s Farm, unveiled in April.

The 32-acre Blackpool Zoo is home to more than 1,500 mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates.