Valley Gardens Phase 3 Transforms Brighton's Route to the Seafront

A Fresh Start for Brighton's City Centre

Brighton and Hove is set to enjoy a major transformation as phase 3 of the Valley Gardens project nears completion. This visionary regeneration scheme, which began in late 2024, promises to breathe new life into the Old Steine area and create a destination worth celebrating rather than just a place to pass through.

The area surrounding the Old Steine had long needed reinvention. Once tired and shabby, it was dominated by traffic with cyclists and pedestrians squeezed to the margins, struggling to move around safely. Brighton's War Memorial sat isolated in the middle of a busy road island, disconnected from the city it commemorates.

Creating Space to Enjoy

The completed work has transformed the landscape entirely. New public spaces, trees, plants and thoughtful landscaping now welcome visitors and locals alike. A dedicated cycle lane, separated from pedestrians and vehicle traffic, allows cyclists to travel safely from The Level down to the seafront and back again without needing to navigate roads and pavements.

The space in front of the Royal Pavilion has been reimagined from a busy road into an area where people have genuine freedom to move, admire and enjoy. The War Memorial is now properly reconnected to this public space, creating a place where people can pause to remember and reflect.

Safer Junctions and Better Connections

One of the most significant changes is the new Aquarium Junction. The replacement of the roundabout with a traffic light-controlled junction represents a substantial safety improvement. The previous design, with light-controlled pedestrian crossings on each exit, created an imbalanced system that struggled to regulate traffic when busy.

Now, cyclists no longer need to navigate the challenging roundabout, and pedestrians benefit from dedicated crossings that make trips to the beach, the Pier and promenade easier, safer and more pleasant. Wider pavements and expanded pedestrian areas, particularly in front of the Pier, enhance the experience for everyone, especially during busy periods.

Looking Forward

Over the coming weeks, the gardens will receive final relandscaping with new paths and benches installed. Whether you're heading to the seafront or journeying into the heart of the city, the Old Steine will become a place to sit, rest, meet and truly enjoy.

Following the successful completion of phases 1 and 2 south of St Peter's Church, which opened in September 2020, phase 3 continues the commitment to creating spaces Brighton deserves. New bus shelters, safer junctions and crossings, and infrastructure for events throughout the year round out the improvements.

This summer marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of Brighton and Hove's most important public spaces.

Source: Why Valley Gardens phase 3 matters for Brighton and Hove