Bristol Zoological Society has exchanged sale contracts on the former zoo gardens in Clifton with independent housebuilder Acorn Property Group.
However, any development of the site must await the outcome of a Judicial Review due to be heard in May.
Save Bristol Gardens Alliance is challenging the zoo’s plans for nearly 200 apartments. It wants the planning permission granted two years ago revoked and a new and more imaginative and nature-friendly scheme drawn up for the 189-year-old site.
Zoo bosses announced the exchange of contracts on the day the alliance held a well-attended public meeting at Christ Church in Clifton to give an update on its campaign. Speakers included Alastair Sawday, Iain Boyd, former mayor George Ferguson, Carrie Sage, Tom Jones and Bill Ray.
The campaigners have raised more than £10,000 to take the case to the Judicial Review hearing, which will take place in the High Court in Bristol from May 7.
They say the Victorian walled gardens were given to the people of the city and proper guarantees of continued public access must be secured.
They believe a better scheme could be drawn up that builds on the site’s history and biodiversity.
The zoological society and Bristol City Council have both confirmed they will defend the planning decision.
The zoo has always said it needs to sell the 12-acre Clifton site so it can invest in its new conservation zoo at Cribbs Causeway.
Justin Morris, chief executive of the zoological society, said: “The move to Bristol Zoo Project has always been about our vision for what we think a zoo should be. The new zoo will allow us to improve animal welfare, in larger natural habitats, and focus our resources on animals that really need our help. The gorilla and mangabey habitat will be four and a half times larger than their home at the old site in Clifton.
“To be clear, we will not be reopening Bristol Zoo Gardens as a zoo in any capacity. In the five years since we announced its closure, not one viable alternative plan has ever been put forward to us, with the finances to back it up.
“Before taking the decision to sell the site, we took extensive expert advice. Now, we have exchanged sale contracts with independent housebuilder Acorn Property Group. Acorn Property Group is committed to delivering the new homes and public space in Clifton, ensuring the gardens remain open to the public free of charge, for the first time in their history.
“Of the homes to be built, 20 per cent will be affordable and the site will also offer a new public park, café and playground. The iconic zoo entrance building will also become the Clifton Conservation Hub – a public café, exhibition space, education and meeting spaces.”
Robin Squire, from Acorn, said: “As a local developer, we’re proud to be part of this landmark regeneration project for Bristol. It’s an exceptional venture which will give a new lease of life to the former Bristol Zoo Gardens.
“Having first visited the zoo nearly 50 years ago, I fully understand the connection that many people feel to this incredibly important site. We do not take the responsibility of delivering this project lightly.
“We respect the Judicial Review process and, upon its determination, look forward to engaging with the local community. At that point, we will invite anyone with an interest in the future of the site to meet with us, share their views, and discuss the vision.”