The Brighton & Hove Labour administration has given the go ahead for major transport and public realm project, Valley Gardens Phase 3.
Phase 3 will complete the Valley Gardens project which will provide a new sustainable transport corridor for the city, together with a transformed city centre public space, from the Old Steine to the seafront.
The initial scheme design was approved in 2018. Since then, the preferred design option has been through modelling, and engagement through public consultation exercises, and stakeholder design workshops.
- 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
- 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.
Councillor Trevor Muten, Chair of the Transport and Sustainability Committee, said: “We are delighted to be able to now press ahead with Phase 3 of the Valley Gardens scheme.
“We have always been committed to delivering the final phase of the Valley Gardens improvements but had a responsibility to forensically check the details in view of the amount of money that is being invested in the last phase of this important project.
“Given some of the ill-thought out transport schemes under the last Green administration, including the proposed Low Traffic Neighbourhood, we decided to review all transport schemes and are now satisfied that the Phase 3 design is the best possible for the city.
“It was a Labour-led administration that approved the initial design in 2018 and that secured funding for the project.
“We now have a final design which will enhance safer active travel, provide an improved transport system, and a fantastic public amenity in the heart of the city for residents and visitors. I am proud that it will be this Labour administration that delivers it.”
