An unloved area of Brighton is set for a major facelift.

The long-awaited first stages of the Black Rock rejuvenation project were made last month as the site was stripped of invasive, overgrown Tamarisk to allow "more native plant biodiversity" to grow in its place.

But that is only the beginning for the site, near Brighton Marina.

The rejuvenation scheme was given planning permission last summer, and has been split into two phases moving forward.

All you need to know about the Black Rock development in Brighton

All you need to know about the Black Rock development in Brighton

On Phase One, a Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said: "The Black Rock rejuvenation project has been designed to resolve the long-term problem of the lack of progress with the Black Rock development site.

"It is being led by the council with funding provided by Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership.

"The aspiration to develop this strategically important seafront site has remained unrealised due to a range of obstacles which will be addressed via the proposed new infrastructure works.

"These include a realigned and extended sea wall, improved sea defences, a decontaminated and levelled site and a new sustainable transport link between the eastern seafront and Brighton Marina.

"In the short term, the Black Rock site will be capable of hosting outdoor events and the new infrastructure will improve the experience for all visitors to the area.

"It will include a new beach boardwalk from the Volk's Station at Black Rock to the Volk's Workshops at the junction with Duke's Mound."

"Significant works" are expected to start this summer, including the new sea defences. In autumn, renovation of the Old Reading Room building will start.

All you need to know about the Black Rock development in Brighton

All you need to know about the Black Rock development in Brighton

Phase Two, meanwhile, hopes to see a permanent redevelopment of Black Rock begin within four years.

A Development Brief to guide this process is due to be agreed by the council this autumn.

One of the main goals of the Black Rock rejuvenation project is to make the site "a more sustainable, accessible and attractive place to visit".

To achieve this, the city council is seeking to complement the development with artworks installed in the area.

A spokesman for the authority said: " The project team recognises Black Rock is known for its street art and wants to provide eye-catching public art to capture the unique spirit of Brighton, and Black Rock."

The project will also see new signs and information boards erected in the area to make it easier for visitors to navigate from Black Rock to the eastern seafront.

The rejuvenation scheme also hopes to "deliver a host of improvements designed to promote health and wellbeing, along with encouraging learning and playing".

Foremost among them will be a new play area "designed to deliver sensory and learning experiences".

All you need to know about the Black Rock development in Brighton

All you need to know about the Black Rock development in Brighton

An "outdoor classroom" will offer shelter to children using the seafront for outdoor activities. The council says it will be suitable for school trips or other community uses, and will include baby changing facilities as well as four new toilets.

Both the playground and the outdoor classroom will be built by the existing car park, which will remain as part of the development.

Further ways of encouraging children to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle include the construction of a temporary sports court and a "BMX pump track".

All you need to know about the Black Rock development in Brighton

All you need to know about the Black Rock development in Brighton

A city council spokesman said: "The Black Rock site is set to be expanded by creating a new sea wall which is crucial in delivering the rejuvenation.

"Ahead of making any decision on the long-term future of the land, a temporary sports court will be provided beside the wall.

"The temporary facilities are expected to be in place for about three or four years.

"Another temporary facility that will be delivered is a 'pump track'. Again, this has been added to the scheme based on helpful discussions with residents and stakeholders, especially those in the cycling community.

"There is no facility of this kind in the immediate area, and it will be based on a similar venue in Newhaven that has been very successful."