A major scheme to revamp Hove seafront is to reach Hove Lagoon this month.
Three phases of the Kingsway to the Sea scheme, improving the area between the King Alfred Leisure Centre and Hove Lagoon, are already underway.
Since last autumn, work has started on the outdoor sports hub, the wheeled sports area and westerly garden, and the tennis and padel tennis area.
This month the next phase of work will start at Hove Lagoon. This includes the refurbishment of the public toilets, with new accessible WC’s being built within both the men’s and ladies’ toilets.
To make access easier into the facilities, the ground level in front of the buildings will be raised and the doors widened.
Other improvements will also be made to improve access. A new ramp will be installed from the footpath at the north side down into the lower level, providing a gentler gradient in comparison to the existing entrance. New planting will also enhance the biodiversity in the area.
To allow works to take place safely the area will be fenced off. Access from Kingsway to the Big Beach Café, children’s play area and skatepark will be through the entrance to Hove Lagoon opposite Tennis Road. The access from Kingsway to the esplanade will remain open.
These works are due to complete in April 2024. The skatepark will remain open until the new wheeled sports area is ready. To ensure the amusement area remains operational during the summer there will be a final phase of work at Hove Lagoon in late 2024 to move the amusements into the existing skatepark area. This will release further green space surrounding the small lagoon.
Councillor Julie Cattell, lead member for major projects, said: “It is exciting to see this wonderful new park developing to regenerate the underused facilities and spaces on the seafront in West Hove. It is a major investment for the city that will benefit local residents and attract visitors throughout the year.
“We’ve listened and have worked with the community and businesses throughout this project, to make sure we deliver what is most important to them.
“Later this month we will be launching a public vote to choose the permanent name for the new park. I hope as many people as possible will get involved in choosing the name for this amazing community facility.”
Shouldn’t all projects over and above looking after the city be suspended in the face of council bankruptcy threats? This vanity project is only part-financed by government money and none of us asked for it. Nor have we seen a business plan for it. Public consultation was cursory at best.
Response to first query: No, that’s not how councils operate. Communicate directly with your councillor
2. How do you know what anyone ‘asked for’? At best this seems like a completely subjective bleat
3. Why would the council submit a business plan to Barry Johnson for his approval? That’s not how a functional system would work if they had to seek individual approval from every person regardless of how simple they are.
4. Yes, that’s how councils get on with doing things rather than seeking a mass public referendum for every decision.
Joe
1) The council have a duty of care to the residents of this city and therefore accountable for where they spend our budget. I’m delighted that someone with some sense has trimmed down the costs of this project.
We shouldn’t have to liase with council officers, they should look at these schemes as a matter of course.
2) When schemes are put on the table that means use of council taxes etc, the council have a duty of care to ensure the scheme is wanted by the majority of residents and third parties. All too often schemes have been signed off without the blessing of council tax payers, the i360 a prime example of a scheme that was pushed on us, a scheme that had flaws and was unwanted and un-needed.
3) The council do not have a right to go wasting our taxes on vanity projects. Yes they should provide a business plan for us all to look over especially where vast sums are involved. Bike hire, i360 again come to mind.
4) As highlighted above, the council on many schemes do need consultations and seek approval and support from the majority of it’s residents and third parties.
We as tax payers can not allow councils to spend our taxes on any given project that suits. The i360 has already meant money being taken out the main pot for the next 20 odd years and the result being other service denied funding they desperately need.
You may be satisfied the city looks like a festering heap of accumulated filth others including me are questioning why the council waste our money on vanity projects without our blessing.
There have been numerous reports to various council committees on this and other schemes.
All available on the councils website for you to read at your leisure.
Barry
The various schemes around the city have already been signed off and work already programmed. BHCC have already adjusted this particular scheme to reduce the costs to the additional funds from out council taxes but in the main is funds already secured.
Correct, none of us asked for this or any of the other schemes, there was no consultations of any worthy note, just like the parking permit fiasco, they ask WHAT scheme you want, not if you want a scheme.
There was no business plan being this scheme isn’t a money maker.
Do any Brighton and Hove News reporters know how to use apostrophes correctly?
Tim has produced the most important comment and this needs elevating for immediate response
Shame Fatboy can’t smarten up the cafe itself. It looks very scruffy.