Residents in Brighton & Hove are being asked for their views on proposals for a new landmark to replace the aging Floral Clock at Palmeira Square.
Over the last few months, the popular square has been transformed with new pathways and a Mediterranean planting scheme. The improvements followed widespread consultation with residents and members of the Friends of Palmeira Square.
With the planting now completed, Brighton & Hove City Council has launched a consultation to decide on the future of the Floral Clock.
Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member for Sports, Recreation and Libraries, said:
We appreciate that replacing the Floral Clock is a sensitive issue and that’s why we are taking our time and working closely with the local community to explore different options.
I would encourage residents to take part in the consultation and help us create a feature that will become as well-loved as the Floral Clock, complements the wonderful new planting scheme and will be enjoyed by future generations.
The Floral Clock was created in 1953 to celebrate the Queen’s Coronation and quickly became a much-loved local landmark.
However, after more than 70 years, the Clock has now reached the end of its life. The clock mechanism has not worked for many years and the mound and supporting infrastructure are beyond repair. This means preserving it in its current form is no longer feasible.
With this in mind, council officers have been exploring opportunities to create a new feature that honours the site’s history and provides a more sustainable, attractive and resilient landmark for the future.
Some residents have already submitted their views on the future of the Floral Clock by taking part in a previous survey, which showed that 40% were in favour of a new feature, such as a modern artwork or sculptural sundial, while 41% preferred to retain a reference to the existing floral clock
A petition in support of keeping the Floral Clock was also presented to the council.
More recently, officers have been working with councillors, residents and community groups to develop clear and realistic options for the future of the Floral Clock area. Now residents and garden users are invited to share their views on the following three options:
Replace the Floral Clock with a sculptural armillary sphere (globe sundial), celebrating the site's timekeeping heritage. The anniversary date of the Queen’s coronation will be marked.
Create a new sculptural feature inspired by the original Floral Clock, with a fixed clock face showing 19:53 to mark the year of the Queen's Coronation and hold a public competition to design the artwork on the sides of the feature.
Transfer responsibility for the site to a Community Group to take on the feature, fund and shape its future as a Community Asset.
The consultation, which can be found on the council’s Your Voice platform, closes on 11 October.
Responses will help council officers understand which option is most supported by residents and people who use the gardens. The results will be considered, alongside feedback already received and the available budget, before a final decision is made.
