Hove seafront project may begin next year, says council

Councillors say residents support the travel scheme

Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) is set to discuss plans for a new seafront travel scheme, with construction possibly starting in 2026.

Several changes are set to be made to the A259 between Hove and Portslade, including new two-way cycle lanes, pavements, bus stops, loading and disabled parking bays, alongside improved crossings and junctions.

The local authority said the scheme will make "walking, wheeling and cycling better and safer in a key part of the city."

Residents gave "very positive" feedback in a public consultation about the plans earlier this year, according to BHCC.

The local authority said there were more than 900 responses.

Results showed a majority of people supported the improvements and felt the scheme would bring more visitors to the seafront, shops, businesses and attractions.

"This is an excellent scheme," said councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure.

He called the plans "a real chance to improve roads, pavements, accessibility, crossings, cycle lanes and public spaces along this part of the seafront".

BHCC has been awarded £4.3m from the government to deliver the project, and will use £2.7m of its own money over the next three years.

A report is due to be presented to councillors at a meeting on Thursday.

They will also be asked to green light plans to try and get more funding to extend the A259 scheme further east.

This would improve the current temporary infrastructure which was installed in 2020.

"We have aspirations to make further changes along the seafront should resources become available," said Muten.

"The A259 is not just a key transport route - it's a gateway to a vibrant seafront," he added.