Brand new plans for a 'world class' sanctuary for endangered animals with a themed spa and restaurant have been unveiled for a Nottinghamshire village. Guests at the sanctuary, named the Broxtowe Retreat, would be able to look into the reserves of rescued endangered animals and enjoy a themed spa and restaurant, if new plans for the huge project on land near Station House in Trowell are approved by Broxtowe Borough Council.
A tropical spa complete with rainforest inhabitants is planned, as well as a panoramic African water-hole themed restaurant and function venue. Visitors will be able to stay in 27 guest lodges, each with unique views into the expansive animal habitats, according to CEO of proposed Broxtowe Retreat and zookeeper Reece Oliver.
Local residents we spoke to welcomed the project as a positive for the area. Nigel Hallam, 57, a highways worker who had seen Mr Oliver’s previous work with rescued lions, said: “They say what he’s done is second to none. I’ve only seen it on the news, but they say it’s better than some zoos.
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“It is different, I don’t think it’s a bad idea. When you look at the area, we’ve lost American Adventure and that’s turned into homes. There’s nothing here, if you want to go anywhere, you’ve got to travel.”
Retiree Peter Lee, 88, from Ilkeston, said: “It’s a little bit of a culture and change, but what kind of animals [would be there].
“There’s plenty of land there. I suppose it’s better than putting houses on there. It’s definitely positive. I will need time to think and study it but I would say I’m in favour of it.”
Another resident, who didn’t want to be named, added: “ It would probably cause disruptions building it, however long term, it would bring people into the area. It would help the local businesses. It would be interesting to know what animals there would be, and what it would look like. “
If the facility is given the go-ahead by planners, an on-site education centre with qualified teachers would provide ‘out of the classroom’ practical experiences for school children, college and university students, and apprentices. The planned facilities, which have been described as state-of-the-art, would make use of solar panels, heat-pumps, and rainwater capture and recycling, making it one of the first sustainable and carbon neutral visitor facilities in the UK according to its developer.
New ponds, water features, and a tree and hedgerow planting program are also planned. The development would be expected to create more than 60 jobs in hospitality, education, catering, customer service, site maintenance, and animal care, with local skills and suppliers prioritised.
The retreat would be operated by an experienced team of experts to the highest animal welfare standards, according to its CEO. Mr Oliver said: “Rescuing animals is something that is very close to my heart, and we intend to create a world class sanctuary for animals and a uniquely special experience for visitors to enjoy.
“From environmentalism and ecology to education and employment, we think this development will really put Broxtowe on the map, and I’m delighted to bring such exciting plans to the local area.” The planning application is pending consideration by Broxtowe Borough Council.
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