City garden revamp will return 'Regency splendour'

The project to revamp the Royal Pavilion Garden is due to begin in spring 2026

A restoration project has been approved for a Grade II listed garden in the heart of Brighton.

Councillors have granted a planning application to return the Royal Pavilion Garden to its "Regency splendour".

The plans include improved footpaths, a new education space, refurbished toilets and railings and a new planting plan.

Hedley Swain, chief executive of Brighton & Hove Museums, said he was "extremely excited" and "confident the project will transform the garden".

There had been criticism of the inclusion in the plans of metal railings and gates round the garden which may obscure views.

Peter Wingate-Saul, from the North Laine Community Association, told BBC Radio Sussex "everyone will be looking at the Pavilion through bars".

The Royal Pavilion Garden is Grade II listed and was designed for King George IV in the 1820s

Historic England placed the garden on its Heritage at Risk Register in 2017 and since then a programme to protect and maintain it has been in development.

The Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust secured £4.4m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the revamp in January.

The plans include remodelling the existing toilet block into an accessible toilet and separate gender-neutral cubicles.

'Green space'

A new building will include a kiosk, toilets and baby changing facilities.

An outdoor learning area will also be built next to the Brighton Dome building.

A spokesperson from Brighton & Hove City Council said the proposals "aim to secure the long-term sustainability of the garden".

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, acting cabinet member for culture, heritage and tourism, said: “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."

The total cost of the project is £6.5m.

It is anticipated work will begin in spring 2026 and last approximately 12 months.

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