Upcoming Work – Aquarium Junction
Work to construct the new traffic-light-controlled junction is ongoing.
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.
To be able to construct the new layout temporary traffic lights are currently being used. These will be replaced with permanent traffic lights, which are expected to be operational in mid-May.
The temporary traffic lights will not operate in the same way as the permanent lights, and delays are expected during this time.
Nighttime resurfacing
The resurfacing will be completed overnight from 19 April for approximately 2 weeks. During this work, the Aquarium Junction will be closed from 8pm to 6am with diversion routes in place.
For safety reasons, the only crossing points open during the nighttime resurfacing will be at East Street and Madeira Place.
Seafront buses will be diverted via Edward Street. Other traffic will be diverted via Old Shoreham Road and Edward Street.
Madeira Drive
During some of the nighttime closures, Madeira Drive will be closed at its entrance next to the aquarium. Access will be available for businesses from Dukes Mound. Cars will be able to exit parking spaces as usual.
Madeira Drive will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.
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 on 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.
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.
27 new trees have been planted near the Royal Albion Hotel and between the Pavilion and the war memorial, with more planting planned for when the Steine Gardens are completed in the autumn. Once complete, we'll have planted over 30 new trees.
A shelter has been installed at the Castle Square bus stop (N4). Power for lighting and real-time information will be installed next year, once the adjacent building's scaffold has been removed and we can gain access. This is a temporary bus shelter which will be replaced with one with sides.
The new shelter at bus stop R1 is now installed and awaiting the implementation of real-time bus information.
More information about Valley Gardens.
Brighton & Hove Buses have changed some city centre bus stop locations and names.
Work is due to start on the southwest corner of Castle Square footway to include the installation of a new traffic island. To be able to undertake this work safely and keep buses running, bus stop N4 will be suspended for the duration of the works.
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 and planted the first trees – more will be planted later in the year
- begun constructed 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
- continue construction of the new public space and 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.
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.
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.