Residents can hear ideas for the future of the Royal Pavilion Garden at a Community Day on Wednesday 26 October.
Organised by Brighton & Hove Musuems, the event, from 11am to 3pm, offers free half-term activities for children, along with a chance to discover some of the plans being developed to restore the Grade II Listed Garden.
Living museum
As a unique Regency Garden, designed by John Nash for George IV, Royal Pavilion Garden is a living museum which urgently needs to be restored to its original glory.
The garden is currently classified as ‘at risk’ by Historic England from overuse, with over 3 million people visiting each year. The garden is suffering from too much litter, damage to planting and wildlife, crime and anti-social behaviour.
Safe and pleasant
Representatives from Brighton & Hove Museums have been talking to residents about ways to improve the space and ensure it is a safer, more pleasant venue for all.
This could include wider paths, better signage and improved boundaries as well as a learning area and nature trails.
As part of a proposed funding bid to National Lottery Heritage Fund, the extensive consultation has resulted in a range of ideas, suggested by the public and garden user groups, which could be adopted. These ideas will be shared at the Community Day.
Tours, displays and activities
Visitors can also enjoy:
- Tours of the garden – plants and history
- Displays celebrating the history of the Regency garden
- Children’s craft activities, games and trails
- Live archaeological research (weather allowing)
- A chance to meet landscape and botanical experts to discuss the project
CEO of Brighton & Hove Museums, Hedley Swain, said: “The Royal Pavilion Garden is a beautiful, popular space at the heart of the city. We have gathered feedback from hundreds of people over the past months and we want to share what we have learnt as part of a community day exploring the garden.”
Wider plan
The project is part of a wider plan developed by Brighton & Hove City Council to enhance the Royal Pavilion Estate as a key cultural destination. Phase One of this plan is already underway and includes the refurbishment of the Grade I listed Corn Exchange and Grade II listed Studio Theatre. The garden restoration is Phase Two of these plans.
