A report setting out how major improvement project Valley Gardens will support and facilitate future events in the city, will be presented to the council’s Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee on 25 June.
New events spaces
The council’s transport team have worked with event organisers to develop plans for the green spaces at Victoria Gardens where events are traditionally held. New hardscaped areas will be introduced at the Richmond Place/Richmond Terrace junction and the area to the south of St Peter’s Church.
New public spaces will also be created around the Old Steine under plans for Phase 3 of the scheme; all of which will provide new and improved spaces for events to take place.
Improvements include:
- a new central park with improved footways, lighting and benches throughout
- new public spaces to provide additional capacity for temporary and seasonal events
- access to fresh water and power supplies at Victoria Gardens and Richmond Place
- designated access points for maintenance and event-related vehicles
Direct walking and cycling paths
The overall benefits of the Valley Gardens scheme will also support future events by encouraging people to visit and spend time there. New paths throughout the gardens will provide a continuous route between St Peter’s Place and Church Street/Edward Street junction, while new cycle routes will link key destinations and places in this central part of the city.
Increased biodiversity
The planting of 152 new trees, grasses and plants will increase the gardens’ biodiversity and reduce the impacts of emissions from transport which affect air quality and climate change.
Hosting major events
Valley Gardens is one of the city’s priority events spaces with annual events including Brighton Fringe, the Ladyboys of Bangkok and The Warren, taking place on the site. Other large scale events such as the London to Brighton Bike Ride, the Brighton Marathon and half-Marathon, as well as the city’s annual Pride parade, travel though the Valley Gardens corridor.
Some events are being held at different locations in the city this year while construction works take place but most planned events have largely been accommodated.
A scheme designed with events in mind
Chair of the Committee, Councillor Anne Pissaridou, said: “We know how important events are to our residents and to the 10 million visitors who visit the city each year. The Valley Gardens scheme has been designed with events in mind and when finished, will offer much improved facilities and new spaces for them to take place.
“When finished the area with its new green spaces, footpaths, lighting and seating will be a lovely place to spend time. People will be able to travel around the area more easily thanks to improved transport links and designated walking and cycling paths, which will also provide greater access to events.
“We are pleased to have been able to accommodate most events while works are underway and will continue to work closely with organisers to ensure the finished scheme meets their needs.”