Major improvement works at Hove Lagoon will begin this month as the next phase of the Kingsway to the Sea project gets underway.

The public toilets at the lagoon will be refurbished and will now include accessible facilities in both men’s and women’s areas.

Doors will be widened and the ground level in front of the toilet block will be raised for improved access, while a number of new planters will be added to increase biodiversity.

Much of the area will be fenced off until around April when work is complete, meaning access from Kingsway to the Big Beach Café, children’s play area and skatepark will be through the entrance to Hove Lagoon opposite Tennis Road. People will still be able to access Kingsway from the Esplanade.

The Argus: The next phase focuses on the public toiletsThe next phase focuses on the public toilets (Image: The Argus)

The skatepark will remain open until the project’s wheeled sports facility is complete, when the area will become the new home for the lagoon arcade in late 2024.

Councillor Julie Cattell, lead member for major projects at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “It is exciting to see this wonderful new park developing to regenerate the underused facilities and spaces on the seafront in West Hove.

“It is a major investment for the city that will benefit local residents and attract visitors throughout the year.

“We’ve listened and have worked with the community and businesses throughout this project, to make sure we deliver what is most important to them.

The Argus: Work continues on the Kingsway to the Sea projectWork continues on the Kingsway to the Sea project (Image: Andrew Gardner)

“Later this month we will be launching a public vote to choose the permanent name for the new park. I hope as many people as possible will get involved in choosing the name for this amazing community facility.”

READ MORE: Hove: Brighton City Council restarts Kingsway to the Sea work

Work on the Kingsway to the Sea project was resumed in September last year after soaring costs meant it was paused.

It was halted in July while plans were reviewed to fit the original budget after being hit by significant rises in construction and material costs, meaning a gap in funding of £3.7 million.

Council leader Bella Sankey said last year:  “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.”