'Transformation' planned for popular city garden

Preparatory work will begin next month on the garden at the northern end of Palmeira Square

A popular community garden in Hove is to undergo a "transformation" as part of a project due to complete next April, a council has announced.

Preparatory work to relandscape and replant the garden at the northern end of Palmeira Square will begin on 1 September, after which access will be restricted.

Brighton & Hove City Council, which is consulting residents, promised that the designs proposed would "celebrate the heritage of this site".

Councillor Alan Robins, cabinet member for sports, recreation and libraries, said the project would "deliver a beautiful and sustainable Mediterranean garden that people will be able to enjoy for many decades to come".

He accepted that the temporary closure of the garden would impact local people, but said a makeover was long overdue.

Initial proposals include reshaping flower beds and adding more sustainable plants, which are better suited to a warmer climate, while changes to the perimeter railings are also planned.

The floral clock feature, which was designed in the 1950s and has been non-functioning for many years, will also be replaced.

The council has been working in partnership with the Friends of Adelaide and Palmeira Square (FOPA), whose volunteers will help maintain the area once the project is complete.

Plans for the relandscaping and replanting elements are out for consultation until 14 September.

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