Developer Avanton has acquired a Grade II-listed Victorian gas holder in London and is exploring plans to turn it into a habitat for alligators as part of a housing development.
Farrells, Maccreanor Lavington and Patel Taylor are three of the architecture studios that Avanton has worked with previously and are considering for a housing development in south east London that would include this unusual attraction.
"The alligator park and farm concept came to us after we were approached by an out-of-town specialist looking for a location for an alligator park in the capital," said Avanton director Marc Pennick.
The 20-metre-deep gas holder tank could be turned into a pond for alligators
According to the developer, the 20-metre-deep gas holder on Old Kent Road could be turned into a suitable habitat for the alligators to swim about in. The sides of the structure above ground, which are almost 50 metres high, would be enclosed with shielded glass to turn it into a glass enclosure for the large reptiles.

Alligators can survive in the cold, but will only breed and lay eggs in warmer temperatures between 27 and 33 degrees Celsius. Sliding panels in the glass conservatory would allow the temperature to be adjusted to keep the reptiles comfortable and the park open year-round.
A visitor centre and educational facilities would also be part of the alligator park and Avanton has assured those concerned about the animal's welfare that the attraction will only go ahead with the...