The turf has been turned on the first part of a £2.2 million redevelopment of The Level.

Brighton and Hove City Council received Heritage Lottery Funding to completely revamp the park in Ditchling Road.

Council bosses joined children from nearby St Bartholomew’s Primary School and community representatives to mark the start of the work.

The park will be closed for nine months while the refurbishment is carried out although people will still be able to use the path on the outside.

Among the improvements will be a new playground, fountains and a sensory garden created in the bottom half of the park.

It is hoped improved lighting, CCTV and a full-time park manager will help deter antisocial behaviour.

Buildings have already been demolished to make space for a new café and toilet block.

The skate park will be moved from the southern half to the north part, which is currently free from any development.

See the latest news headlines from The Argus:

More news from The Argus

Follow @brightonargus

The Argus: Daily Echo on Facebook - facebook.com/southerndailyecho Like us on Facebook

The Argus: Google+ Add us to your circles on Google+