Adelaide Crescent Gardens and Palmeira Square Gardens, Hove

Conservation Area (CA)

Brunswick Town

Local Listing Reference

LLHA0002

Description

Construction of Adelaide Crescent began in 1830 to 1834 to the designs of Decimus Burton for Isaac Lyon Goldsmid. Following a period of inactivity, Goldsmid completed the group to an altered plan, with Palmeira Square added to the north, between 1850 to 1860. The gardens form the centrepiece to the estate, and were originally private gardens for the residents of the properties. The original layout is shown on the c.1870 ordnance survey plan, which shows perimeter and serpentine paths to Adelaide Gardens, as well as informal planting.

The design of Palmeira Square Gardens is more formal, with a fountain to the south, and further circular paths and planting to the north. The majority of this design survives, although the fountain has been removed. The railings were removed during World War II, at which point the gardens become public and their maintenance was taken over by the council. Source: Middleton 2002

A.  Architectural, design and artistic interest

ii.  A good example of an early Victorian garden, which still retains much of its original layout and character.

v. The gardens are of aesthetic interest through their conscious design as part of the Adelaide Crescent and Palmeira Square group.

B. Historic and evidential interest

ii. As part of the Adelaide Crescent/Palmeira Square estate, the gardens illustrate the social and economic development of Hove.

iii. There are many records surviving regarding the development of the estate

C. Townscape interest

iii. The contrast of open space in comparison to the surrounding urban form, in combination with the surrounding architecture, forms a landmark whilst progressing along the seafront.

iv. The gardens were designed and built as the centrepiece to the surrounding housing, which is all listed at grade II*. The associated lamp posts are also listed at grade II.

F. Intactness

i. Retains much of its original design and character.

Date of inclusion

2015