Valley Gardens Phase 3 construction: Latest news 

Work on the new traffic light-controlled crossing is nearly complete. The new traffic lights will be operational from mid-May, replacing the temporary signals. From this date, all pedestrian crossings will be open, including on Marine Parade.

Further work will continue over the summer, after which the junction will be linked to nearby junctions. This will help manage traffic flow.

Other work is continuing to relandscape the gardens and complete new pavements and the cycle lane on the western side of the Old Steine.

The new cycle lane will be opened in stages from early summer. 

Nighttime resurfacing

The final stage of road resurfacing is scheduled for late June/early July. This will include the south-west corner of the Old Steine and St James’s St south of the war memorial. Work will be completed overnight, and buses will be diverted. 

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 constructed a new public space and cycle lane
  • installed new tree pits and planted the first trees – more will be planted later in the year
  • 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
  • constructed a new public space and 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.

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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.