Plans for the next stage of Valley Gardens up for approval
The city council’s Environment, Sustainability and Transport Committee will be asked to consider initial project plans to develop options for the design of Phase 3 of Valley Gardens, when it meets on 26 June.
The third phase will see the development of the area from Edward Street down to the Old Steine and the Palace Pier roundabout on the seafront. It aims to improve connectivity to the city centre and will include simplifying the road layout, improvements to the bus infrastructure, new cycle infrastructure and improved lighting and landscaping.
If approved, council officers will be able to progress the project to the next stage of developing design option, that will be put before the committee in October, and to prepare a business case for funding from the Local Enterprise Partnership. A report outlining the business case will be put before the committee in November.
A public survey about the area is underway until 29 June. The survey is an opportunity to tell the council how the area works or doesn’t work as a place to move around and spend time in. Responses will be taken into consideration when drawing up options for improvements to transport facilities, air quality, and public spaces.
The construction for Phase 1 and 2 of the project, which runs between St Peter's Church to just south of Church Street, is due to start in the summer.
The first two phases aim to create an attractive new park by improving the series of green spaces between St Peter’s church and the Royal Pavilion. The surrounding road layout will be radically simplified, making it easier to navigate and improved routes will be created for sustainable transport including walking, cycling, buses and taxis.
The changes also aim to improve air quality and community safety, and reduce flood risk.
Chair of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee, Councillor Gill Mitchell, said: “This is an important next step in the redevelopment of the Valley Gardens area, which aims to improve one of the main road routes into the city and improve connectivity.
“We want to make cycling, walking and public transport more attractive and viable options for transport as well as improving the landscape to create an attractive, sustainable and safe green space.
“It’s vital that local residents have their say on the area. The public survey allows residents to tell us what works and what doesn’t so that we can consider their views as design options are drawn up.”
Visit our consultation portal to take part in the Old Steine & Palace Pier Roundabout in the survey