Petition to improve Regency Square ahead of i360 launch

A group has been formed at Regency Square, to make the area a more pleasant place for residents and visitors, particularly in light of the British Airways i360 opening next summer.

Neil Rosborough, secretary of the recently-formed Friends of Regency Square, said: 'The opening of the i360 will bring thousands of visitors to our area and we are keen to improve the front of our square in readiness for the big event.'

The group has started a petition to Brighton and Hove City Council, to address issues on Regency Square.

These include the need for adequate motorbike parking '“ as those with motorbikes have to park at the south end of the Square '“ repairing the stone steps around the memorial statue, and renovating the railings.

The Friends also seek adequate lighting for 'what will be a very busy vantage point for visitors' when the i360 opens next year.

There were suggestions the area could benefit from a Boris bike-style scheme set to come to the city, with two docking stations at Regency Square, and ideas to make use of the largely-empty car park below the Square, with 'small business opportunities' such as a hand car wash. The group also seeks ideas on events - such as craft fairs and community gardening.

Mr Rosborough said: 'With the council cutbacks on parks and gardens maintenance this is perhaps a new opportunity for local initiative.'

The Friends group meets each Saturday morning at the south end of the square, and is aiming to gather petitions and ideas to regenerate and improve the area.

To find out more about the group, and to view and sign the petition, email: [email protected]