A major project to transform the run-down spaces on the seafront in West Hove got the go ahead at the council’s Policy and Resources committee last night (Dec 2).
On top of the £9.5 million funding recently secured from the government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF), another £1.147 million will come from council resources to be added to the Capital Investment programme.
The council say the area will be transformed to provide modern facilities for locals and visitors.
A linear park and outdoor sports facilities will be created between the King Alfred Leisure Centre and Hove Lagoon.
Other features being considered include padel (a form of tennis), beach tennis, croquet, traditional tennis and football.
The scheme will also provide new leisure facilities such as a pump track and skate park to encourage greater footfall by young people.
Work on the ‘Kingsway to the Sea’ project began back in 2018 when the West Hove Forum approached the council to work on plans to develop the area.
Since then, officers have been working with the West Hove Seafront Action Group (WHSAG) group whose members include residents and representatives from businesses, clubs, sports users and voluntary organisations.
The bid for the extra council funding was supported by all three of the city’s main political party leaders - Phélim Mac Cafferty, John Allcock and Steve Bell - in a letter sent to government ministers.
Councillor Martin Osborne, co-chair of the city’s Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee, said:
“The additional council funding for this project is a fantastic boost and will enable us to move forward to the next stage.
“It is incredibly exciting to think about how much this project will improve public spaces for people, with new activities, new routes for pedestrians and cyclists and expanded outdoor family facilities at Hove Lagoon. The remodelling and landscaping will also improve biodiversity and attractiveness for the enjoyment of residents as well as attracting many more visitors to the area”.
A project manager will now have to be recruited to help with the programme and design.
The deadline for use of the government funds is 31 March 2024.
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