Upcoming Work – Aquarium Junction

Work to construct the new traffic-light-controlled junction is on-going. 

Temporary traffic management is in place to direct people through the works area and we ask that everyone takes extra care while travelling through the site. 

Roads will remain open until resurfacing of the new Aquarium junction in April. This will be completed overnight. Dates will be confirmed closer to the time.

Delays are possible and people may wish to seek alternative routes. We apologise for any inconvenience while we work to transform this area.  

Valley Gardens Phase 3 construction: Latest news 

As work to Castle Square and the Aquarium junction continues access will be maintained but pedestrian routes will change depending on the working area. Each route will be clearly signed.

The map opposite shows the planned changes to the pedestrian routes and crossing locations.

Cyclists can continue to use the area in front of the pier, but the area is temporarily shared with pedestrians

Map showing where the crossings are closed for the Valley Gardens project works, by Castle Square and Marine Parade

Work is ongoing to create the new public space between the Royal Pavilion and the war memorial, with new paving and cycle lanes being installed.

11 new trees have been planted near the Royal Albion Hotel. More trees will be planted in spring 2026, once the work progresses and as planting seasons allow. Once complete, we will have planted over 30 new trees.

A new shelter has been installed at Castle Square bus stop (N4). Power for lighting and real time information will be installed next year, once the adjacent buildings scaffold has been removed and we can gain access.

Real time bus information will be provided at both stops once the work is completed.

More information about Valley Gardens.

Brighton & Hove Buses have changed some city centre bus stop locations and names.

View the new bus stop plan.

View the latest information on bus services.

Overview of the project

Phase 3 will complete the Valley Gardens project with a transformed city centre public space. 

The finished scheme will: 

  • 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
  • simplify the road layout for motorists
  • improve road safety 

Construction on the project started in November 2024. So far, we have: 

  • resurfaced Castle Square and Old Steine/Pavilion Parade
  • removed a large traffic island south of the Old Steine and began work to construct a new public space and cycle lane
  • installed new tree pits – trees will be planted later in the year
  • begun construction of new pedestrian crossings at St James's St
  • constructed a new parking area and a new pedestrian route next to Princes Street
  • completed the east side pavement works
  • begun work on paving and a new cycle lane on the west side of the Old Steine next to the Royal Pavilion 

The contractor has set up a compound in Steine Gardens. Once the work is complete, the gardens will be re-landscaped with new grass and planting. 

Project updates

The latest information on the construction schedule will be published here.

The contractor, FM Conway, will provide information to properties ahead of work starting in each section. This will include contact information, and they will ensure that access is maintained for residents, customers, deliveries and servicing.

To request future project newsletters or for any enquiries, send an email to transport.projects@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

View our privacy notice.

Plans

The plan includes:

  • a new junction to replace the existing Brighton Palace Pier roundabout, with crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists
  • an enhanced environment and improved connectivity for pedestrians, due to widened footways and more direct crossings at the seafront
  • a new off-road cycle lane connecting phases 1 and 2 with the seafront
  • new bus stops, including new shelters and the latest electronic bus time information
  • a new public space between the Royal Pavilion and the War Memorial
  • the introduction of a taxi rank near the Brighton Palace Pier junction
  • more accessible and obstruction-free pavements
  • the planting of additional trees and landscaping
  • sustainable outdoor event infrastructure, supporting Brighton’s event economy
  • improved lighting around Old Steine

The council's former Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee approved the Valley Gardens Phase 3 plan in January 2022.

An aerial plan of stage 3 of the Valley Gardens development.

Funding for Valley Gardens Phase 3

We've secured £6 million Local Growth Fund (LGF) capital funding from the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). In addition, the council has committed £1.84 million in match funding.

Capital borrowing of up to £5 million will also support the existing funding.

Our consultation

The development of proposals for Phase 3 has been subject to 3 public consultations and stakeholder design workshops at key stages of the project.

See the full list of committee reports and minutes related to Valley Gardens Phase 3.