The third and final phase of a project to “reinvigorate” the heart of the city will start soon.

Improvements to Castle Square in Brighton will start on Monday ahead of work on phase three of the Valley Gardens project and will include overnight resurfacing of the road and the installation of a new bus stop.

The first stage of work is scheduled to take around three weeks.

Overnight closures are planned from 8pm on November 25 and 27 and December 2 to 4.

Diversions will be in place and buses will be directed via the seafront and North Road.

Work will then start on the rest of the Valley Gardens project leading up to the new year. This will begin with the removal of a large traffic island south of the Old Steine, which will take place before Christmas.

Read more: Claims parts of city will be 'turned into no-go areas' during construction work

Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport, parking and public realm, said: “The construction of phase three of Valley Gardens is going to begin very soon. Improvements made ahead of the main works will minimise disruption and help make the scheme a success.

“Castle Square is in desperate need of resurfacing and improvement, so it makes sense to do this work now so bus passengers and other road users can enjoy smoother journeys through the area.”

Once finished, Valley Gardens phase three will mark the completion of the major project which has spanned several years.

The council said linking phase three with phases one and two will provide residents and visitors with a “picturesque” route from St Peter’s Church down to the Palace Pier and will include:

  • Bigger and better space for pedestrians with wider pavements and more direct crossings
  • New trees, plants and green spaces
  • A new public space around the Royal Pavilion and War Memorial
  • Space and infrastructure for events
  • A new junction to replace the existing Brighton Palace Pier roundabout, with crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists
  • Priority traffic signals designed to manage and reduce queues
  • An off-road cycle lane connecting The Level with the seafront
  • New bus stops and shelters with the latest electronic bus time information
  • An extra taxi rank near the Palace Pier junction
  • Improved lighting around Old Steine

Work will be completed in stages and has been developed to take account of bus and traffic routes, busy visitor periods and events. Information will be provided to residents and businesses ahead of work starting on each stage.

Castle SquareCastle Square (Image: Brighton and Hove City Council)

The work is expected to last until summer 2026. Major roads will be kept open for most of the construction and buses will continue to run through the area.

There will be drop-in events for people to find out more:

Jubilee Library on Friday, November 22 - 2.30pm to 5pm

Jubilee Library on Tuesday, November 26 - 4pm to 6pm

From January contractor FM Conway will set up a construction compound in Steine Gardens. People will still be able to access the fountain and northern part of the gardens. Once the work is complete, the gardens will be landscaped with new grass and planting.

Councillor Muten said: “We’ve worked very hard to produce a plan that will minimise the disruption to residents and businesses during construction of Valley Gardens phase three.

“Our contractor and council staff will be in regular contact with people living in the area to ensure they’re kept up to date on the work programme, ease any inconvenience and be available to answer any questions and concerns.

“We’re confident our plans during construction will keep traffic flowing and people moving and limit the impact on events and the city. We realise there will be some disruption, and I want to thank people for their patience. I know the end result will be worth the wait, transforming this gem of our city.

“Once finished, Valley Gardens will be a place our city can be proud of and our residents and visitors can enjoy. I can’t wait to see it finished.”