With work already underway to the Outside Sports Hub, the next phase of the project at the former Pitch and Putt areas started this week.
In this area a garden is being created with ramps into the space and pathways for improved accessibility.
The development of the wheeled sports area has also begun. That will provide a skatepark, 150metre long pump track and 600m sq. roller skating area. All the facilities are designed to be family-friendly, to encourage users of all ages and abilities, and cross-over between the different facilities.
The skateboard facility is designed in a way that favours learners or those new to the sport, something that is desperately needed. This design will offer a safe space to practice and learn to skateboard but will also have features suitable for more experienced skaters too.
The bike pump track will be the first in Brighton & Hove. A looped circuit of rollers and swoopy banked turns, it’s designed to be ridden by riders "pumping" and generating momentum by up and down body movements, so it can be ridden with minimal pedalling.
The roller skating area is also a first for the city, offering a smooth space to practice.
This work is expected to complete next summer. The existing skatepark at Hove Lagoon will remain in place until the new area is ready. It will then close at the end of summer 2024, when the amusements area will move to that site, releasing space to the west. This will mean there will be more green space for use by families visiting Hove Lagoon.
As well as the work to the Lagoon, including refurbishing the toilets, future phases of the project will see the development of tennis and padel tennis areas to compliment the croquet lawn, another garden space and finally the demolition of the bowls clubhouse, once the new facility is ready to open.
Councillor Julie Cattell, Lead Member for Major Projects, said: “We’re excited to see work beginning on Kingsway to the Sea’s new gardens and on new sports facilities that will be firsts for Brighton & Hove.
“From the outset the community has inspired and directed the entire project. Representatives from the local skatepark, biking and roller community have all been involved in the design of the wheeled sports areas.
“These will be a key part of what will be a brilliant public park for residents and visitors alike.”
