The concluding stretch of a significant urban regeneration scheme is now underway.
In recent months, the third stage of Brighton’s Valley Gardens initiative has seen construction of fresh public realm between the Royal Pavilion and the War Memorial.
Carriageways have received new surfaces, cycling infrastructure has been added and pedestrian crossing facilities have been established.
Brighton and Hove City Council has also erected replacement bus shelters and construction of new walkways and landscaped areas within Steine Gardens will commence shortly.
The authority anticipates the scheme will reach completion during the summer.
Councillor Trevor Muten, who holds the transport and city infrastructure portfolio, explained that phase three of Valley Gardens is taking definite form. The upgraded paving and civic space represent a considerable enhancement over what existed previously, providing additional room for movement and passage.
Pathway construction and lawn installation at Steine Gardens will follow, while fresh trees have already been positioned close to the Royal Pavilion and War Memorial.
Aquarium junction transformation
From January onwards, efforts have been focused on the aquarium junction. The former roundabout and traffic islands have been demolished and are making way for a signalised junction, improved crossing facilities intended to offer greater safety and additional room for those on foot.
Following the Easter break on April 13, the authority will commence construction of the replacement traffic islands. This will necessitate temporary signals for approximately a month during installation of the permanent junction lighting.
The Marine Parade crossing will stay inaccessible throughout this period.
The authority will additionally undertake overnight surfacing works across the area for a fortnight beginning April 19. The junction will be shut between 8pm and 6am with alternative routes operating, including for bus services.
The Madeira Drive entrance will also close overnight but solely to motor vehicles, remaining accessible to those travelling on foot or by bicycle. Commercial premises will nonetheless retain access via Duke’s Mound.
Cllr Muten added that the revised junction will streamline traffic movement and render passage from Steine Gardens to the waterfront considerably safer.
This phase of construction has been deliberately scheduled to miss the Easter vacation and main visitor season, with surfacing work conducted during night hours when vehicle numbers are substantially reduced.
He acknowledged that this element of the scheme would cause inconvenience and expressed gratitude for public forbearance. The Valley Gardens project is entering its concluding phases, breathing fresh life into a pivotal section of the city centre. By summer, the city will possess an upgraded and reimagined space of which it can be genuinely proud.