Royal Pavilion Garden plan approved

A planning application which will see the Royal Pavilion Garden restored to its Regency splendour has been approved by Brighton & Hove City Council.

The proposal aims to secure the long-term sustainability of the city centre garden, providing a setting for residents and visitors to enjoy, but also enhancing the Regency architecture of the Royal Pavilion, Corn Exchange and Dome.

The plan was due to be considered in May, but the application was deferred so that further detailed designs around access could be prepared.

24-hour access

The approved plans include the removal of the previously proposed gates, providing 24-hour access to the garden for residents and visitors. Entrances will be widened with new bollards and piers.

The plan also includes:

• Restoring the Regency planting and protection and promotion of local biodiversity
• New visitor and community facilities, more accessible information and increased community engagement opportunities
• Repairing, conserving and enhancing historic elements, including the garden entrances and pathways
• Reinstating the historic boundary based on the original 19th century railing designs

Historic and precious

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Acting Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “I’m delighted that these plans have now been approved and work can now begin to restore and regenerate this historic and precious city centre Garden.

“Residents have told us how much they value this unique and well used green space and we are pleased that 24-hour public access will be retained.

“We will continue to work with Brighton & Hove Museums, Sussex Police and other organisations, to protect the Garden for residents who use it daily and the thousands of visitors who flock to our world-famous Royal Pavilion Estate.”

Extremely excited

CEO of Brighton & Hove Museums Hedley Swain said: “We are extremely excited to receive agreement for our plans for the Royal Pavilion Garden and want to thank Brighton & Hove City Council for their ongoing support.

“Thanks to the National Lottery and Brighton & Hove City Council, we are confident the project will transform the garden, restoring it to its full beauty and splendour, while at the same time communicating its importance in history in an innovative and accessible way.”

Key cultural destination

The project is part of a wider plan developed by the council, with Brighton & Hove Museums and Brighton Dome & Festival to enhance the Royal Pavilion Estate as a key cultural destination.

Phase One of this plan, the refurbishment of the Grade I listed Corn Exchange and Grade II listed Studio Theatre was completed in 2023. The garden restoration is Phase Two of these plans.

The council and Brighton & Hove Museums have already secured £4.3 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for this work.  

The total required for the project is £6.5 million.  The Council is contributing £0.5m and the remainder will be secured through Brighton & Hove Museum fundraising efforts.

Following this announcement, the next stage in the project is to work up the detailed landscape designs so that the works can be tendered and appoint staff to deliver the community engagement programme.  

It is anticipated work in the Garden itself will begin in Spring 2026 and last approximately 12 months.