A FLAGSHIP project set to shake up the seaside has been delayed again.

Building work on Brighton’s Valley Gardens Phase 3 could now begin in spring next year at the earliest.

It was originally set to be completed next March.

The controversial project will convert the Sea Life Centre roundabout into a junction and create more cycle lanes in Old Steine.

Funding for Phase 3 was “severely at risk” last year after Coast 2 Capital, which funds projects across Sussex, said Brighton and Hove City Council was unlikely to spend a £6 million government cash injection by the March 2021 deadline.

Now a “flexibility funding agreement” has been signed between the two groups giving the city council an extra four years to finish the project.

Frustrated Conservative transport spokesman Councillor Lee Wares said the delay was “all down to a chat behind closed doors”.

He accused the city council of avoiding scrutiny and said he had not heard of the delay until The Argus informed him.

“We are grateful to The Argus for bringing this to our attention because it seems most things to do with Valley Gardens are not shared with us,” he said.

“Nobody said that back in December the council was asking Coast 2 Capital for more flexibility on the spending deadline.

“When The Argus recently reported on this, a council spokeswoman said the council had no duty to inform councillors of this.

“That just about says it all.

“We can’t challenge, scrutinise or check any of this.

“I guess we are going to have to get used to the idea that Labour likes to run this council either badly or to avoid scrutiny.

“Starting in the spring of 2021 is now after when they should have finished.”

Council transport chief Cllr Anne Pissaridou said confirming the funding was a milestone for the project.

“We have been through a rigorous process and they believe we have a sound financial basis with which to go ahead,” she said.

“Valley Gardens is a key project in Brighton and Hove’s aim to become carbon neutral by 2030.

“It is designed to make it easier for people to travel using public transport, cycling and walking.

“It will be a much more pleasant space for people who live and work around Valley Gardens to use.”

Cllr Pissaridou said the public would be consulted to “shape the finer details” of the scheme.

“Our work to make this exciting project happen will now continue and we are committed to having an open process,” she said.