Chester Zoo has shelved its plans for a new £90m Heart of Africa biodome attraction, saying that the project will now form a 'latter part' of the zoo's £225m Natural Vision scheme.

A spokesperson told Attractions Management the biodome had been postponed due to government cuts and that another part of the Natural Vision would take priority and open as the first phase of the ambitious redevelopment.

She said: "The biodome has been put on hold and will now be a latter part of the Natural Vision project.

"The Islands project has been brought forward and this will now be the first phase with a pencilled in opening date of 2014."

Connected by a boat ride, The £30m Islands project will pull together some of the zoo's existing animal species to create a themed experience.

It will include educational exhibits, play areas, restaurants and village-style food stands.

Work on the Islands experience, which will connect various parts of the zoo, is expected to start in 2012 and take 18 months to complete.