Public Asked To Help Decide Future Of Eastbourne’s Controversial Carpet Gardens

A computer-generated image of how the council says the gardens will look once the new plants have flowered (Credit: Eastbourne Borough Council)

Residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to help shape the future of Eastbourne’s Carpet Gardens following widespread debate over a controversial redesign of the seafront attraction.

Eastbourne Borough Council introduced a new style of planting at the historic gardens in 2025, replacing much of the traditional floral bedding display with a more sustainable approach focused on biodiversity and climate resilience.

The authority says the changes were designed to create a year-round display that is more environmentally friendly, better for wildlife and able to withstand increasingly extreme weather conditions.

But the redesign has divided opinion in the town, with some critics claiming the gardens now look neglected and fail to capture the character that made the attraction famous.

Among them is Katrina Tutt, owner of Qualisea Fish Restaurant, who said she was “unhappy and disappointed” with the transformation.

She warned the appearance of the seafront could discourage visitors from coming to Eastbourne.

“The original Carpet Gardens have been there for over 100 years,” she said. “They are synonymous with Eastbourne.”

Ms Tutt has been campaigning for a return to the traditional floral displays and is encouraging residents to take part in the public consultation.

The council says one section of the gardens has been retained in the traditional summer bedding style, allowing people to compare both approaches side by side.

Officials also argue that the previous displays required plants to be replaced twice a year at considerable expense, while offering limited environmental benefits.

Computer-generated images released by the council show how the new planting scheme is expected to look once fully established and in bloom.

Councillor Jim Murray described the Carpet Gardens as “one of Eastbourne’s most well-loved spaces” and acknowledged the strength of feeling surrounding the changes.

He said feedback gathered during the consultation, which runs until 31 August, would help determine the future direction of the gardens.