Work on Valley Gardens to start in September as contractors named

Brighton and Hove City Council said Dyer and Butler Ltd would take on the £10m project, and said it has a ‘successful track record’ of managing major infrastructure projects.

Valley Gardens covers the area that runs from St Peter’s Church down to the Palace Pier roundabout, and the first two phases of the regeneration will focus on the green spaces, the surrounding roads and footways from St Peter’s Church to the Old Steine.

It will also see a change in the road layout, with general two-way traffic on the eastern side of the gardens, and buses, taxis and local traffic on the west side – resulting in easier pedestrian access to the gardens from the west.

The aim of the Valley Gardens project is to make it a more attractive city amenity by simplifying the highway network.

Cllr Gill Mitchell, chair of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “This is a significant moment in the Valley Gardens project.

“I am pleased that Dyer and Butler have been awarded the contract and we can look forward to construction getting underway in the near future.

“The aim of the project is to simplify the transport network in the area, making it easier for local residents and visitors to the city to get around. The area’s green spaces will also be improved, making it a much more appealing environment to be enjoyed by local residents and visitors.”

She added that the council has plans in place to minimise disruption and to keep traffic moving during the works.

Paul Allan, senior contract manager at Dyer and Butler, said: “Dyer and Butler are exceptionally pleased to be awarded such a prestigious project and are looking forward to working with the Project Team and their stakeholders to ensure its successful delivery.”

Work on the first two phases are set to start in September for two years.

Funding for the £10m project includes £8m from the Government, and cash from developers’ contributions.

The third phase of improvements will involve improving the area from Old Steine to the Palace Pier.