A range of ideas for how the Royal Pavilion Gardens could be transformed to make it a safer and more welcoming place have been unveiled.

Plans to “reawaken” the gardens of the former royal residence in the centre of Brighton are being developed in an attempt to tackle litter, vandalism and crime, as well as restore some elements of the space to their former glory.

The gardens, visited by over three million people each year, is currently classified as “at risk” by Historic England due to overuse.

At a community event, the Royal Pavilion revealed that an initial consultation of residents and visitors found that people want to see more benches and places to rest at the gardens, as well as smaller, more intimate events and measures to tackle antisocial behaviour which “makes visitors feel threatened and uncomfortable”.

Among the main proposed works include the restoration of the gardens’ historic 19th-century lampposts, enhancement of the planting beds and lawns, widening of paths, an outdoor learning space, and the creation of a “more welcoming experience”.

Initial ideas for events and activities from the consultation included a Regency festival, guided tours and talks with garden history experts, and family events like a teddy bears picnic.

Hedley Swain, CEO of Brighton and Hove Museums - the trust that manages the Royal Pavilion, said: “We are very excited about this project. The Royal Pavilion Gardens is of immense historic importance, it is the best preserved of the small number of early 19th-century gardens and parks designed by the architect John Nash, along with Regent’s Park, St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace’s garden - all in London.

“We have the opportunity, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Brighton and Hove City Council, to preserve its carefully planned layout and provide far better interpretation for visitors and events for users.

“We also accept we have challenges. At night, the gardens often suffer from antisocial behaviour and it is also suffering from overuse in some areas.

“Hopefully the plans that are emerging will give us proposals to make this iconic Brighton location more welcoming and protect it for many years into the future, so all our local communities and our visitors can benefit from it.”

A planning application is due to be submitted in March next year.