DISCUSSIONS over the council’s multi-million pound project to create an attractive green space in the heart of the city are set to continue.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee will meet next Tuesday to develop design options for phase three of the Valley Gardens project.

The third phase of the £10million project will see the development of the area from Edward Street down to the Old Steine, and the Palace Pier roundabout on the seafront. It aims to improve traffic links to the city centre, improvements to bus infrastructure, and better lighting and landscape.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, the committee chairwoman, said: “This is an important next step in the redevelopment of the Valley Gardens area, which aims to improve one of the main road routes into the city and improve connectivity. We want to make cycling, walking and public transport more attractive and viable options as well as creating an attractive, sustainable and safe green space.

“It’s vital residents have their say on the area. The public survey allows residents to tell us what works and what doesn’t so that we can consider their views as design options are drawn up.”

Opposition parties have, however, voiced their furstration over delays to the project. Green councillor Pete West, a member of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “The Valley Gardens scheme will open up a new green space for our residents and become a new park for the city centre.

“The scheme will improve cycling accessibility, and pedestrian access to the city centre and The Lanes.

“These are important, and already long overdue, benefits for our city. Labour tried to block this vital project when it was introduced by the Greens but did a spectacular u-turn once in office.

“We hope Labour’s usual track record of delays to the project will not be repeated, as it’s high time they showed progress and commitment to this much needed scheme.”

Conservative leader, Councillor Tony Janio, said: “Labour has been caught up in a lot of internal politics so it drags on important projects like Valley Gardens.

“I welcome the fact that the gardens are getting a revamp, but we’ve waited too long. It seems that the council is standing still, and we try to push for things and it’s been such a struggle.”