The Royal Pavilion Garden Restoration Project, also known as 'A Garden Fit for a King', has secured more than £1.4 million in additional funding. This vital contribution comes from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which provided £976,231, and Historic England, with £500,000. The funding will allow Brighton & Hove Museums and Brighton & Hove City Council to proceed with the project as originally planned.
This additional financial support is crucial due to significant increases in construction costs, materials, and labour since the initial National Lottery Heritage Fund award in January 2024. The project's total value now exceeds £8 million, encompassing substantial investment in community engagement, public events, visitor interpretation, and the essential capital works required for the garden's restoration and enhancement.
The final plans and budget are scheduled for discussion by Brighton & Hove City Council’s Cabinet next week. Pending approval, the main capital works are anticipated to commence on-site in November 2026. This marks a significant step forward in the transformation and long-term preservation of the Grade II listed garden.
Key capital works will involve restoring the garden's historic Regency layout and planting, improving paths and entrances, introducing new interpretation elements, enhancing biodiversity, and upgrading lighting and security. The project also aims to improve accessibility, creating a safer and more welcoming environment for all visitors.
The restoration formally began in early 2025, featuring community engagement programmes, the establishment of a dedicated project team, fundraising initiatives, and crucial research. The Royal Pavilion Garden was placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2017, highlighting the importance of this project in its restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and creation of learning opportunities.
The long-term ambition is to remove the garden from the Heritage at Risk Register and ensure its continued thriving as a cherished green space in the heart of Brighton. The project is supported by various funders including the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Wolfson Foundation, with remaining funds to be raised over the next year.
