Palmeira Square’s floral clock could be replaced by a globe sculpture or a stopped clockface commemorating the 1953 coronation – or something else entirely.

Brighton and Hove City Council has launched a consultation on what should become the centrepiece of the Hove square.

Over the last few months, new planting has been bedded in – and it’s now time to decide what should take centre stage.

Cabinet member for recreation Alan Robins 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, but the clock mechanism has not worked for many years and the mound and supporting infrastructure are beyond repair.

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.

Three options are now being mooted:

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 – in a similar way to the Hove Plinth on the seafront.

The consultation, which can be found on the council’s Your Voice platform, closes on 11 October.

The results will be considered, alongside feedback already received and the available budget, before a final decision is made.