Increased crime reports may lead to the Royal Pavilion Gardens being closed at night

The Royal Pavilion is proposing to fence off the gardens to prevent access to the public during evening hours after a string of anti-social and criminal behaviour. 

A whopping 20,000 reports of anti-social or criminal behaviour were recorded by security staff in 2017. All of these reports occured after hours and included incidents involving drugs, violence and even individuals having sex in the gardens. 

As a result of these incidents Brighton & Hove city council are asking residents and businesses to comment on a proposal to erect railings around the outside of the gardens allowing them to be closed at night. 

The calls to close off the gardens at night comes after Historic England put the Royal Pavilion Garden on the 'At Risk' register and recommened that the council develop a conservation maintenance plan. 

The garden was originally enclosed by a high flint wall with railings on top and closed at 'sunset'.

Alongside the proposals to fence off the gardens the council is also seeking comments on how the garden is presented and how they should manage busking in the grounds. 

Brighton and Hove city council said, “More than five million people visit the garden each year, from tourists from all over the world to North Laine residents who consider the space as their ’back garden’.

“Brighton & Hove City Council is working on a plan to improve and enhance the popular garden and has launched a public consultation to find out what local people think.

“The council is committed that the garden will remain free and accessible to all as one of the most important green spaces in the city.

“This survey will support its bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of phase 2 of the Royal Pavilion Estate project.

“Over the next seven weeks residents and visitors will have the opportunity to comment on all aspects of the garden from planting, seating and walkways to attractions and events.

“Views are also being sought on how to tackle anti-social behaviour and whether a boundary should be created so that the garden can be secured at night.

“The results will also feed into the final draft of a conservation and management plan. Historic England recommended the council draw up the plan for the grade II listed garden.

“The Royal Pavilion Garden is one of the few remaining regency gardens in the country and is considered one of the nation’s most significant outside spaces.

“It is also the open space that links together the buildings making up the Royal Pavilion Estate from the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum to the Dome and Corn Exchange.”

The survey is open until Friday 29th of June. To take part, click here. 

For more information about the Royal Pavilion Estate project, click here.