The plans to expand Yorkshire Wildlife Park were approved by Doncaster Council and a further 300 new jobs will be created. The scheme consists of 150 acres of land being transformed into an extension to the park in order to improve facilities and broaden the species that are cared for there.
“We are really pleased to hear the outline planning for the expansion has been granted. This is great because it’s going to create plenty more jobs for the local area. Come summer 2019, with the new expansion, we will employ a further 300 members of staff,” said the CEO of Yorkshire Wildlife Park, John Minion.
The expansion will allow the introduction of new species and it can increase its collection of over 400 animals from more than 80 species, many of whom are endangered. It will contribute to the park’s conservation and welfare work, as well as bringing more recognition to it.
“This expansion will enable more conservation work and protection of endangered species, and I have no doubt visitors to the park will benefit greatly from these expansion plans,” said Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire.
John Minion confirmed that this change will attract a wider audience from all over the country, as well as being a resource for the local people. Since its establishment eight years ago, it employed 300 people and has contributed with £12.2 million to date to the local economy with a visitor record last year of 761,000.
The new facilities that the visitors can benefit from are restaurants, shops, a destination hotel, and a visitor hub designed at the new entrance at Hurst Lane. Leisure is a key part of Doncaster, so the development is located close to Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Doncaster Racecourse, and the newly proposed PGA Golf Course at Rossington.
