WORK is underway on a major seafront regeneration project - including a temporary BMX track.

The Black Rock rejuvenation project aims to transform the eastern end of the coastline in Brighton and "enable further development in the future", the city council has said.

Plans include biodiversity and accessibility improvements for the area, restoring the Temple and Grade-II listed Old Reading Room and an expanded sea wall.

A new outdoor "seafront classroom" for children and young people visiting the area will also be introduced, as well as new seating and lighting.

Progress has already been made on new sea defences.

As part of its consultation with residents, the council has also taken on board suggestions for short-term uses for the space that will be created by the works - including a temporary BMX pump track.

There will be a new crossing across the Volk’s Railway to improve access between the beach and the Old Reading Room, as well as a decked area and a 3m wide boardwalk.

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The boardwalk will enable visitors to travel the full length of this section of the beach and be fully accessible for both wheelchairs and pushchairs.

The boardwalk will also be part of a new pedestrian route that will run from Dukes Mound and into the Marina, with access along the new sea wall or through the subway.

Another new pedestrian route through to the Marina is also being created underneath the current ramps, that will provide the necessary infrastructure for the future possibility of a seafront hopper service along the coast - but the council said this "only a future ambition" for now.

Councillor Tom Druitt, chairman of the Black Rock project board, said: “I’m delighted to see this project is underway to transform this section of the seafront.

“This area has long been under utilised at a prime location of our coastline.

“After an amazing contribution from residents through an extensive period this project is incorporating a number of their suggestions to the works planned including a seafront classroom and a temporary events space.

“With developments in the project including hosting public art, accessibility improvements, and a temporary events space - this area can now start to provide a nicer setting for our residents to use and one we can be proud to show off to our visitors.”

There is a focus on biodiversity improvements in the area, including a new ecology trail with reintroduced native plants, wildflowers, and chalk grassland.

The council said the changes will "add benefits to the public realm and incorporate measures so that the Eastern Seafront can play its part in the city emerging from the pandemic".

Councillor Martin Osborne, joint chairman of the tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee, said: “It’s important that as we emerge from this pandemic that our public spaces can be used safely.

“We know how much people value having access to public space and spending time with nature and this has been so important for health and well-being during the pandemic

“This project, although planned before the pandemic, will deliver a lot of benefits that build on this.

“With improved access between Black Rock and Brighton Marina, the creation of an ecology trail, new play facilities and classroom, I think the plans for this project can really show off the more relaxed part of our seafront that Black Rock represents, where people can wind down and enjoy the space. I can’t wait to see it when the project is finished.”

Phase One of the project is due to be completed by spring next year, while the Phase Two development brief is due to be agreed this winter.