The Castle Hill site will include two new attractions

The proposals involve modernising the zoo which has been repeatedly criticised by animal welfare groups.

At a presentation at Dudley Council House on Tuesday, councillors were told the redevelopment would not only involve doubling the size of the animal accommodation, but would also create two new attractions.

However larger animals such as giraffes and elephants will no longer be kept at the zoo - some of the zoo's critics said housing such animals on a relatively small site is cruel.

Siege simulation

Hotels, restaurants and a residential development will also form part of the plans.

Peter Suddock, chief executive of Dudley Zoo, said: "If you look where zoos have invested, for example Chester, they don't get the same sort of criticism we do because they have had that consistent flow of investment.

"That will transform what we do here."

One of the new attractions will be something called Siege Craft which will capitalise on Dudley Castle's long and violent history dating back to the Norman times.

Using the latest audio visual technology, visitors will be able to take part in a simulated siege either as an attacker or a defender.

David Cockcroft, from St Modwen Developers, said: "It will be a world class zoo and a world class castle-based attraction providing a thumping day out for the family."

Work is due to begin on the site next spring but is expected to take up five years to complete.