Hove’s Kingsway to the Sea scheme awarded funding

Plans to improve Hove seafront will receive £9.5m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The project aims to regenerate the underused and run-down spaces on the seafront in West Hove, improving the area for residents and providing attractive space and opportunities for visitors.

The scheme aims to protect and enhance the green spaces in the area, improving biodiversity and providing leisure and sports facilities which are relevant to the needs of residents living and working in a densely populated part of the city.

Cllr Martin Osborne, co-chair of the city’s tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee, said: ‘We’re delighted to receive this funding which will help us realise some of the ambitions our residents, businesses and local clubs have for this part of the seafront. We are working to improve our seafront for everyone to explore and enjoy and will continue to take advantage of funding opportunities to continue the regeneration.’

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, council officers have been working with the West Hove Seafront Action Group (WHSAG) group whose members include local residents and representatives from businesses, clubs and voluntary organisations.

This led to the council commissioning landscape architects Untitled Practice to create an initial design to help shape discussions.

Residents and users of the seafront area between the King Alfred Leisure Centre and Hove Lagoon have been taking part in a consultation to give their views on what they would like to see.

Photo by Rhys Kentish