Contractors have arrived on site today to begin the £8 million restoration of the Pavilion Gardens.
The project, dubbed Garden Fit for a King, has been in development since 2022, but this week will see the first spades put in the ground. Completion is expected by late 2027.
Blakedown Landscapes has been appointed by Brighton and Hove Museums to carry out the work, which includes restoring some of the original views from when the Regency palace was built – as well as installing fencing around much of the perimeter.
More than 16,000 plants and shrubs will be planted and conservation work undertaken to protect the site’s elms.
The toilet block will be replaced with a new facility including Changing Places toilets, and a new education pavilion built in the grounds.
Brighton and Hove Museums has received funding for the project from a variety of sources including the National Lottery Heritage Fund (£5.34m), Historic England (£0.5m) and Brighton and Hove City Council, which owns the site.
It was prompted by Historic England’s inclusion of the gardens in its Heritage At Risk register in 2017.
Restoration works will follow a carefully phased programme, allowing specific areas of the garden to undergo care at different times while keeping the rest of the grounds accessible. Both the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum will remain open as normal.
Volunteers and staff will be present on site throughout the process to help the public and provide updates.
After the physical work is complete, the trust will work to make sure its “fully inclusive, resilient, and fit for purpose”.
Abigail Thomas, interim CEO of Brighton and Hove Museums, said: “Over the past year, we’ve been working hard to bring the plans together, from refining the designs and appointing our contractors to welcoming the local community to on-site events.
“Now, as work gets underway, we’re starting to see our vision for the garden become a reality.
“There will inevitably be some temporary disruption as the restoration progresses in phases, but the garden and estate remain open to visitors.
“Our team and volunteers will be on hand throughout to welcome visitors, answer questions and help everyone make the most of their visit.”
The council’s cabinet member for heritage David McGregor said: “Gardens naturally change with the seasons and over the next year people will also be able to see the Royal Pavilion Garden being transformed before their eyes.”
Chris Wellbelove, Managing Director of Blakedown Landscapes, said: “The Royal Pavilion Garden is a remarkable historic landscape, and we’re proud to be entrusted with its restoration.
“The project calls for specialist conservation skills and a carefully managed programme of works, protecting the garden’s historic features while maintaining access for visitors throughout.”
