Brighton and Hove City Council has released details of the improvements made to a stretch of road described as the main entry point to the city.
Last August, the authority unveiled proposals to upgrade the zone around Brighton Station and along Queen’s Road, extending to the clock tower.
At the time, Councillor Jacob Allen told The Argus how the scheme would enhance the city’s entrance, boost tourism and transform the area into an appealing destination.
Six months on from the scheme’s launch, Councillor Allen looked back at what had been achieved and the impact on the city.
He stated the authority’s strategy for public spaces in Brighton and Hove centred on restoring civic pride. He noted this particular section was vital for residents, workers and tourists alike. He emphasised the administration’s commitment to ensuring the area was spotless, welcoming, accessible and an attractive space for spending time and money. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made over the past six months.
The council has carried out numerous improvements in the vicinity, including placing 40 new double litter bins, introducing ten cigarette bins as part of a pilot scheme, and refreshing the paintwork on shared bins, fencing, seating and utility cabinets along the route.
The scheme has also included regular high-pressure washing of the section outside Brighton Station and the stone seating near the Clock Tower.
Staff have been tackling the removal of stickers from street signage and lighting columns.
Furthermore, workers are repainting all lampposts along the road with a specialist coating that enables stickers to be peeled off without difficulty.
Describing the route as the city’s main entrance, Councillor Allen noted the area had fallen into disrepair and been allowed to deteriorate. He said local people frequently raised concerns about the centre’s decline, but the authority was now reversing this trend by investing significantly and giving it proper attention.
The council is also collaborating with shops and businesses along the road to address problems such as graffiti vandalism.
Councillor Allen outlined intentions to install a welcoming mural on the building facing the station, hoping it would discourage vandals and provide visitors with a positive first impression.
The concept draws inspiration from a new artwork created by the Brighton Toy and Model Museum in the underpass beneath the station on Trafalgar Street. This initiative received funding through a partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Southern Rail as part of their railway conservation programme.
Museum manager Jan Etches commented that the artwork was intended to lift people’s spirits and draw more visitors to Trafalgar Street businesses.
The council is currently testing various approaches including electric devices for weed control, mechanical road cleaners, laser equipment for removing graffiti, and pavement flushing machines.
Councillor Allen indicated the authority intends to apply comparable treatments to St James’s Street once additional work on Queen’s Road concludes.
He noted there were still issues to address, and with the new financial year approaching, fresh funding was available for continued improvements. The authority is creating new artworks in areas prone to tagging, maintaining street washing programmes to keep surfaces clean and sanitary, and working alongside traders and the Business Improvement District to ensure private properties along the roads also meet high standards for visitors and local residents.