Moving forward with Valley Gardens 3
Work on the final phase of the Valley Gardens project will move forward, following a detailed review of the plans.
The decision comes after meetings between councillors and council officers to review the design, study the transport modelling and feedback received from key stakeholders.
As a result, some positive adjustments to the scheme have been made, including creating more space for buses to that they can move in and out of bus stops, while enabling other vehicles to keep moving.
Councillors have now asked officers to proceed with the procurement of a principal contractor.
Subject to this process being successful, work will begin and is expected to take around 18 months to complete.

Image: Aerial view of part of the Valley Gardens 3 area
The plans for phase 3, which covers the area from the Old Steine to the seafront, include:
- Improved access for public transport, supporting more reliable journey times
- An additional taxi rank near the Palace Pier junction as well as retaining two existing ranks
- New obstruction-free (where possible) pavement design New trees and landscaping
- Sustainable outdoor event infrastructure
- New separated cycle lanes, linking phases 1 & 2 of Valley Gardens to the seafront
- Improved lighting around Old Steine Gardens (supported by a successful Safer Streets Funding bid)
- Increase in parking bays for Blue Badge holders
- A new junction to replace the existing Palace Pier roundabout, including direct crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists and enhanced signalling to ensure the flow of traffic including buses.
- Enhanced bus stop design for safety of waiting passengers and effective passenger pick up.
- Improved setting around the War Memorial
More information can be found on our Valley Gardens 3 webpages.
Delivering for the city
Councillor Trevor Muten, Chair of the Transport and Sustainability committee said: “I am delighted that we’re now at a stage where we can press ahead with delivering this fantastic project for the city.
“It was right that we asked for a review last summer to ensure that we were going to give residents, businesses and visitors the best possible scheme, which delivered on its objectives and worked for everyone.
“Phase 3 will offer a wonderful open green space in the Old Steine and extend the public park that was delivered through Phases 1 and 2. The transport improvements will make it much safer for pedestrians and cyclists, whilst ensuring flow of buses and road traffic through this busy part of our city.”
“We are confident that delivering Valley Gardens Phase 3 will complete the centerpiece of our amazing city that residents and visitors alike will be very proud of.”
Background
Valley Gardens is the name given to the green spaces that run from St Peter’s Church to the seafront.
The first two phases of Valley Gardens, which were completed in September 2020, have seen improvements to open spaces and transport corridors between St Peter’s Church and Old Steine, including new cycle lanes, priority lanes for public transport and landscaped spaces.
It was nominated for a Major Project Award at the UK Highways Awards 2021.

Image: The completed Valley Gardens phases 1 and 2
Work on phase 3 of the project began in 2018 and has been subject to three public consultations and stakeholder design workshops at key stages of the project.
It will:
- Substantially enhance and renew the environment of a key visitor destination and arrival point in the city,
- provide a space that is inclusive and accessible to everyone,
- improve the travel experience for pedestrians and cyclists,
- enhance the overall experience for public transport users,
- simplify the road layout for motorists and ensure good flow of traffic,
- improve road safety.