A tawdry roundabout is to be transformed with a towering monument to two of Brighton's most eminent architects.

Seven Dials is to receive a much-needed facelift with a wider centre circle and artwork to mark father and son Amon Wilds and Amon Henry Wilds.

The junction, which has been identified as a major accident blackspot, is also the gateway into the Montpelier and Clifton Hill conservation area, which contains some of the city's finest Regency and Victorian architecture.

Brighton and Hove City Council has agreed to allow the neighbourhood association and other groups to draw up plans for the roundabout.

The height of the artwork and size of the roundabout will have to be agreed by the city council's highways department.

Roger Amerena, chairman of the association which has been championing the plan, said: "Seven Dials marks the entrance to Montpelier Crescent, which was designed by Amon Henry Wilds around the 1840s, and a monument would be an apt introduction to one of the foremost conservation areas in the city.

"It is an accident blackspot and we have been told that for drivers coming along Goldsmid and up New England Hill a monument would help as they would be able to see the roundabout from further away."

Seven Dials is among the 26 most hazardous junctions in the city and the council believes visibility is at the heart of the problem.

A national competition will be held to identify the best artwork for the traffic-choked junction and funding will be sought from a range of sources.

The best design will be picked by a panel of conservation and architecture experts.

Born in 1762, Amon senior and Charles Busby were responsible for much of Kemp Town and Brunswick estates and the old Debenhams building.

His son, Amon Henry Wilds, is credited with Montpelier Crescent and a host of other streets and buildings in the city including Russell Square.

A spokeswoman for the council said: "We will be carrying out improvements to the Seven Dials roundabout to make it safer for all road users.

"We are considering the installation of a sculpture or other such public art on the centre of the roundabout - subject to safety criteria.

"Changes to the roundabout were agreed in principle by councillors last year but the details have yet to be worked out.

"Suggestions from local residents and organisations are very welcome.

"We will consult with local councillors and residents as the scheme is designed."

The scheme will take between three and five years to complete.

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