Work has restarted on a major seafront project after it was paused due to soaring costs.

The Kingsway to the Sea scheme to create a new park on Hove seafront had to be paused in July while plans were reviewed to fit the original budget after being hit by significant rises in construction and material costs.

Construction on the £13.7 million project has now recommenced today with groundworks for the outside sports building. 

Brighton and Hove City Council said since the scheme was paused, project officers, designers and construction partners have been working together to finalise detailed plans to keep the project on track, after rising construction costs and the current national shortages of materials and labour led to a funding gap of £3.7m.  

This work has now been completed and early works to start construction of the outdoor sports hub, the longest phase of the project, can begin.  

When asked by The Argus in August about which specific areas of the project will be cut or delayed Brighton and Hove City Council would not clarify but said the majority of facilities proposed will remain in the scheme.

The next stage of the scheme will see work start on the wheeled sports area, starting in the autumn. A full programme of the different phases will be available soon on the council’s website.  

Council leader and chairwoman of the strategy, finance and city regeneration committee Bella Sankey said: “It is great news for the city that the project is now back underway and that we will have a brand-new public park with excellent sports facilities for the city's residents and visitors to enjoy.  

“Our community-minded residents have inspired and led this project from the outset and worked closely with council officers at all stages to ensure we’re delivering what people want, as much as we possibly can. 

 “We have worked hard to overcome a number of setbacks and now we’re excited for the works to start ready for the 2024 summer season.”