First ‘sign’ of things to come in the Royal Pavilion Garden
Brighton & Hove Museums has unveiled an eye-catching new hoarding on New Road, marking the first visible sign that the Royal Pavilion Garden restoration project is moving into its next phase.
While months of planning, community consultations and events have been underway, this is the first on-site moment the public can see, designed to spark curiosity and excitement.
To celebrate this milestone, Brighton & Hove Museums’ CEO Hedley Swain met with Councillor Birgit Miller, Cabinet member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism to reflect on the progress so far and the shared ambition to protect and enhance one of the city’s most treasured green spaces.
The hoarding features a striking modern and colourful design paired with a traditional heritage font, creating a dynamic display that celebrates the garden’s history while inviting everyone to discover more.
The Royal Pavilion Garden is a nationally important Regency Picturesque garden, home to rare elm trees and cherished by locals for its beauty and wildlife. The restoration will reinstate historic landscaping, improve accessibility, introduce educational resources and enhance visitor engagement.
These measures will help care for the landscape, protect vulnerable planting, and ensure the garden remains safe, welcoming and accessible for everyone. A key ambition is to remove the garden from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
Funding includes £4.37 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, investment from Brighton & Hove City Council and recent confirmed support from the Wolfson Foundation. Brighton & Hove Museums continues to fundraise to deliver the full vision for the garden.
Hedley Swain, CEO of Brighton & Hove Museums, said: “This hoarding is the first visible sign of the Royal Pavilion Garden beginning its next phase of renewal.
“It represents months of planning, community engagement and the start of a restoration that will protect our historic gardens for generations to come.
“We want everyone to feel inspired to visit, volunteer, support and be part of this groundbreaking project which will restore one of Brighton & Hove’s most loved green spaces to its picturesque royal roots.”
Councillor Birgit Miller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism said: “The Royal Pavilion Garden is a vital part of our city’s heritage, but also a treasured and well-loved public space.
“We are proud to support this restoration project which will make the garden more accessible, safe, welcoming and beautiful for everyone, from the residents who use it daily to the thousands of visitors who flock to our world-famous Royal Pavilion Estate each year.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s fantastic to see the first signs of the project begin.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will secure the future of a nationally important garden while creating opportunities for the local community to connect with nature, heritage and the culture on their doorstep.”
Visitors are encouraged to follow the project, visit the garden, and get involved through volunteering and community activities.