Port Lympne Wild Animal Park near Hythe, Kent, has revealed that work is now underway on a £1m scheme to transform the attraction's infrastructure.

The Aspinall Foundation is aiming to broaden the animal park's national appeal, while also differentiating its offer from that of sister attraction Howletts, near Canterbury. Work will see Port Lympne's existing layout - 500 acres (202.3 hectares) on foot and 100 acres (40.5 hectares) of safari - reversed to provide 500 acres (202.3 hectares) of safari.

The 'on foot' areas will be divided into four zones, which will allow visitors to view its main exhibits and interactive displays. Jacksons Fencing; Moons; The Lapa Company; SSE Contracting; Rod Barlow (plumbing); and BW May are among the contractors working on the scheme.

Port Lympne managing director Bob O'Connor said: "After extensive research into the Port Lympne experience, we have taken the comments and suggestions of our public on board and have radically re-imagined the park. "The new format will not only overcome the problems of scale and topography but will allow visitors to embark on a unique adventure."

Image: One of the new structures being erected at Port Lympne - (c) Dave Rolfe