Following Coast to Capital’s approval of £6 million of funding for phase 3 of the Valley Gardens project, the funding agreement has now been signed.
It means the council can now progress the scheme and deliver major environmental improvements to this important city centre area.
The plans will transform the Valley Gardens area of Brighton, improving public transport links and enhancing facilities for walking and cycling, making easier connections to major attractions. Phase 3 of the project will link up with the Royal Pavilion and shopping areas leading down to the seafront and the Palace Pier.
Valley Gardens Project (phase 3) covers the southern section from the Old Steine to the Palace Pier.
Councillor Anne Pissaridou, chair of Brighton & Hove’s environment, transport & sustainability committee, said: “Signing the agreement is a milestone for the project and confirms the funding approval. The Business Case we submitted to the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership has been thoroughly scrutinised by them, including an independent audit, and shows how this project will benefit the city. We have been through a rigorous process and they believe we have a sound financial basis with which to go ahead.
“Valley Gardens is a key project in Brighton & Hove’s aim to become carbon neutral by 2030. It is designed to make it easier for people to travel using public transport, cycling and walking. Across all the phases we will be planting more than 100 trees and increasing biodiversity with wildlife-friendly plants. It will be a much more pleasant space for people who live and work around Valley Gardens to use. The open spaces will be available for events and Valley Gardens will be a relaxing place to spend time in for visitors.
“Our work to make this exciting project happen will now continue and we are committed to having an open process. There has already been extensive consultation to agree the final design and there will be further public engagement to shape the finer details of the approved scheme.”
We have established a Task and Finish Group which has now met twice, and we have also been working with Coast to Capital who have agreed to allow flexibility on the spending deadline – originally March 2021.
Construction work could start in Spring 2021.
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.
Find out more about the Valley Gardens project.
Read about what Valley Gardens aims to do.
