A multimillion pound plan to return the Royal Pavilion Gardens to their “Regency splendour” and crack down on antisocial behaviour has been approved.

Brighton and Hove City Council has today given the green light for the major restoration work which is worth £6.5 million.

The project will involve the reinstatement of historic landscaping design and planting while improvements will be introduced to enhance accessibility, integrate learning and educational resources and transform the way people engage with its heritage.

Museum bosses said the project presents a “landmark opportunity” to remove the garden from Heritage England’s At-Risk register by tackling concerns about too many visitors, erosion of character and a deterioration of the sense of history in the garden.

The changes also aim to combat antisocial behaviour and crime which are at high levels on the estate.

The gardens have been plagued with serious sexual assaults, robberies and even murder in recent years, earning them a negative reputation among locals.

Previously proposed gates, which caused concern among residents, will not be included in the plans, ensuring 24-hour access to the garden for residents and visitors, the council said.

Entrances will be widened with new bollards and piers.

The plan also includes restoring the Regency planting, new visitor and community facilities, more accessible information and increased community engagement opportunities, repairing, conserving and enhancing historic elements, including the garden entrances and pathways and reinstating the historic boundary based on the original 19th century railing designs.

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, acting cabinet member for culture, heritage and tourism, said: “I’m delighted that these plans have now been approved and work can now begin to restore and regenerate this historic and precious city centre garden.

“Residents have told us how much they value this unique and well-used green space and we are pleased that 24-hour public access will be retained.

“We will continue to work with Brighton and Hove Museums, Sussex Police and other organisations to protect the garden for residents who use it daily and the thousands of visitors who flock to our world-famous Royal Pavilion Estate.”

The project is part of a wider plan developed by the council, phase one of the plan was the refurbishment of the Grade I listed Corn Exchange and Grade II listed Studio Theatre, which was completed in 2023.

The garden restoration is phase two.

The council and Brighton and Hove Museums have already secured £4.3 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for this work. 

The council is contributing £500,000 and the remainder will be secured through Brighton and Hove Museum fundraising efforts.

The next stage in the project will involve creating detailed landscape designs so that the works can be tendered and appoint staff to deliver the community engagement programme.  It is anticipated work in the garden itself will begin in spring 2026 and last approximately 12 months.

CEO of Brighton and Hove Museums Hedley Swain said: “We are extremely excited to receive agreement for our plans for the Royal Pavilion Garden and want to thank Brighton and Hove City Council for their ongoing support.

“Thanks to the National Lottery and Brighton and Hove City Council, we are confident the project will transform the garden, restoring it to its full beauty and splendour, while at the same time communicating its importance in history in an innovative and accessible way.”