In August last year, Brighton and Hove City Council launched a public consultation after it announced it would be refurbishing the garden at the northern end of Palmeira Square, in Hove.
As part of this, plans included removing the more than 70-year-old floral clock due to it being “beyond repair”.
The announcement was met with large-scale backlash from residents and local councillors with the decision branded as “shocking”.
A petition, set up by campaigner Laura King, gathered more than 3,000 signatures and was subsequently discussed at a full council meeting.
The clock was designed in the 1950s (Image: The Argus Archive)
However, in a recent update the council said no decision on the clock’s future is yet to be made.
The council said it is continuing to work with members of the Palmeira Square Working Group to develop fully costed, feasible options for the clock’s future, which will be open to public consultation prior to a decision being made.
It added that feedback from the previous consultation is guiding this process to ensure proposals reflect community views.
Councillor Alan Robins, cabinet member for sport, recreation and libraries, said: “We’re delighted to be kicking off the new year with work starting on the next stage of improvements at Palmeira Square.
“This project reflects our commitment to maintaining and enhancing green spaces for the community while increasing biodiversity and adapting to climate change.”
Plans to remove the floral clock received backlash from residents and councillors
Other work to reshape the flowerbeds in the square began earlier this week. The council confirmed that the floral clock feature will remain untouched as part of this phase of work.
The project, which is being undertaken by the council and members of the Palmeira Square Partnership working group, aims to refresh the garden’s planning areas as well as creating a more attractive and sustainable space.
Shaped by more than 1,100 responses to the public consultation, work on the area began in October 2025.
The initial stage will focus on preparing the site for planting in spring and will include changing the layout of the beds, having already removed railings.
A planting scheme will also be carried out in partnership with members of the Friends of Adelaide and Palmeira Square (FOPA), to ensure the community plays an active role in shaping the space.
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