DUDLEY Zoo has unveiled its vision for a new building for site of the controversial Hippodrome theatre on Castle Hill.

Zoo bosses say their Trilobite structure will be a striking architectural feature providing new facilities for zoology, geology and education which reminds visitors of the site's ancient limestone caverns.

The development will mean the demolition of the historic theatre despite a campaign to save the building by a friends group.

However the loss of the Hippodrome would be a price worth paying for the new facility according to zoo chiefs.

Dudley Zoo (DZG) chief executive, Peter Suddock, said “Trilobite will expand and improve our education facilities to meet the growing demands placed upon DZG and support our new castle experience which opens in October 2014.

“In co-operation with Dudley College, Trilobite will provide a centre of excellence for training in subjects related to visitor attractions, such as customer services, catering, retail, event management, travel and tourism, all linked to the attraction industry and be the only facility in the UK adjacent to an operating site.

He added: “It’s all come at a great time – we will be able to incorporate the plans into our new entrance and car park and the new centre will be a natural addition to the development.”

A bid for european funding for the new centre will be submitted next year if councillors give permission for the Hippodrome to be demolished at a meeting on Monday August 5.