Brighton’s Valley Gardens project has reached the seafront, with the city council opening its final phase on 16 October 2026.
The £12.8m scheme runs from St Peter’s Church through Valley Gardens and the Old Steine to a new traffic-light junction beside the Aquarium. The opening was marked by the ceremonial switch-on of the restored Victoria Fountain.
A greener route through the city
Phase 3 adds 500 metres of separated cycle lane, new pedestrian crossings and a junction replacing the former Aquarium roundabout. It also creates a new public space between the Royal Pavilion and the War Memorial, alongside 35 trees, 25 benches and relandscaped gardens.
The scheme includes upgraded lighting, new bus shelters with real-time information and a taxi rank near the Palace Pier junction. Contractor FM Conway carried out the work.
The council says the project’s funding includes £6m from the Local Growth Fund, £2.3m from Department for Transport sources, £500,000 in developer contributions and £4m in council borrowing. Earlier phases, completed in 2020, cost about £11m.
The redesign was prompted in part by safety concerns around the Old Steine and Palace Pier area. The council previously reported 154 collisions there over five years, including 30 involving serious injury.
Why it matters for Britain
For Brighton, the completed route provides more space for walking and cycling, safer crossings and improved public areas close to major attractions. It also supports outdoor events and makes the city centre-to-seafront journey easier to navigate.
