A NEW cycle lane, an additional taxi rank and improved public transport are set to be installed as part of the final stage of a city centre project.

An investment of £11 million in phase one and two of the Valley Garden project helped transform the space between St Peter’s Church and the Old Steine.

The third and final phase of the project aims to “regenerate and improve” the city centre area, according to Brighton and Hove City Council.

Several recommendations will be put forward by members of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee at a meeting on Tuesday, January 18, including asking for approval the scheme can move into its construction stage.

The final design was developed following feedback from an eight-week consultation in 2020 where residents and stakeholders were given the opportunity to comment on details within the project.

These included the location of crossings, cycle lanes, footpaths, bus stops, cycle parking, seating, public areas and tree planting.

Phase three plans include new separated cycle lanes linking Valley Gardens to the seafront, as well as improved access for public transport and an additional taxi rank near the Palace Pier junction.

The plan also includes new trees and landscaping, sustainable outdoor event infrastructure, improved street lighting, increased parking bays for Blue Badge holders and a new junction to replace the existing Palace Pier roundabout.

If councillors vote in favour of the plan, work is expected to begin later this year.

Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee co-chairman Steve Davis said: “Phase three is the final phase of the project to connect with the seafront with a new, inclusive and sustainable infrastructure which will create a stunning new destination and travel corridor all the way to the Palace Pier.

“It’s great to see that the project has been shaped with the help of city-wide engagement with local residents.

“I’m passionate about the Valley Gardens project. Not only is it supporting better and safer journeys around the city and helping to improve air quality, there are also new trees and lighting, and new public squares.

“At the moment this part of our city is divided by traffic and there is a poor collision history, particularly near the Palace Pier roundabout, which we know attracts huge footfall and could be safer. These improvements mean it will be a much better space for our residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The council has secured £6 million Local Growth Fund capital funding from the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership and committed £1.84 million funding.

Delays to the project, in part down to the pandemic, changes to the design and higher construction and materials costs since 2019 have led to an increase in projected costs

The total amount to deliver the project is now estimated to be nearly £13 million.

Capital borrowing of up to £5 million will support the existing funding.

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