Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership has approved £6 million of funding for phase 3 of the Valley Gardens project.
The decision was made at the Coast to Capital board meeting yesterday evening (17 October, 2019). It means that the council can now enter into a funding agreement and progress the scheme.
Valley Gardens is a prime city centre site surrounded by attractions such as the Royal Pavilion and shopping areas leading down to the seafront and the Palace Pier.
The Valley Gardens project
When complete the Valley Gardens project will improve road safety and ease of movement through the area, as well as create an exciting and attractive destination for visitors to spend time in with new landscaping, planting and public squares.
The southern section of the project (phase 3) aims to improve the environment, open space and travel experience for people travelling from the Old Steine to the Palace Pier.
Improving the space and environment
Councillor Anne Pissaridou, chair of Brighton & Hove’s environment, transport & sustainability committee, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who contributed letters and comments to the Coast to Capital board and we will continue to engage with people to ensure we provide the best scheme possible.
“Valley Gardens is a key part of our commitment to improve the city’s environment for people. It will contribute to our wider aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 by making it possible for more of us to make our journeys using public transport, cycling or walking.
“We have the opportunity to realise the potential of Valley Gardens as a place to visit, spend time in, and host events. It will provide the infrastructure needed to give people access to the whole area, turn Valley Gardens into a destination in its own right and make it easier to explore other areas like Kemptown and the seafront.”
Next steps
The council will now work with Coast to Capital to complete the funding agreement.
A task and finish group led by councillors will be established following the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee on 8 October. The group, led by councillors, will meet regularly and offer councillors and key stakeholders the opportunity to contribute to the design and development of the scheme.
More information about the task and finish group (Agenda item number 29).
Further consultation will take place early next year when there will be an opportunity to comment on and help shape the detailed designs for the scheme.
More information
Phase 3 of the Valley Gardens scheme will be primarily funded by the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.
Phases 1 & 2 of the scheme are well underway, with significant changes already made to improve the road layout and open spaces from St Peter’s Church to Edward Street and introduce new paths for cycling and walking.
Phase 3 will continue this work to extend the coordinated sustainable transport links and open public spaces through the city centre and down to the sea.
Find out more about the Valley Gardens project.