Chester Zoo could undergo expansion works that would see the site triple in size.

Leisure Concepts, a design and architecture firm, has put forward a concept proposal for the zoo. The designs include increasing the size of the site to 140 hectares and adding a hotel.

The proposal also includes plans for four habitat environments, which would “take visitors on geographic journey”, and a number of water rides that would allow visitors to “explore the animal enclosures in an immersive, up-close themed experience”.

Steve O’Brien, head of estates at Chester Zoo, said: “We are delighted with the proposal by Leisure Concepts. It was create Europe’s finest must-see wildlife attraction and allow Chester Zoo to build on its worldwide conservation mission.”

Leisure Concepts’ managing director, Gerry Rutter, added: “This was a very challenging project, balancing the requirements of Chester Zoo’s diverse and extensive animal population, while creating a spectacular and immersive visitor experience. We’re very proud of the results.”

The zoo is currently in consultations to take the project through to the planning stage.