Palmeira Square\u2019s floral clock could be replaced by a globe sculpture or a stopped clockface commemorating the 1953 coronation \u2013 or something else entirely. <\/p>\n
Brighton and Hove City Council has launched a consultation on what should become the centrepiece of the Hove square. <\/p>\n
Over the last few months, new planting has been bedded in \u2013 and it\u2019s now time to decide what should take centre stage. <\/p>\n
Cabinet member for recreation Alan Robins said: \u201cWe appreciate that replacing the Floral Clock is a sensitive issue and that\u2019s why we are taking our time and working closely with the local community to explore different options. <\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Floral Clock was created in 1953 to celebrate the Queen\u2019s Coronation, but the clock mechanism has not worked for many years and the mound and supporting infrastructure are beyond repair.<\/p>\n
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 <\/p>\n
A petition in support of keeping the Floral Clock was also presented to the council.<\/p>\n
Three options are now being mooted: <\/p>\n
Replace the Floral Clock with a sculptural armillary sphere (globe sundial), celebrating the site\u2019s timekeeping heritage. The anniversary date of the Queen\u2019s coronation will be marked. <\/p>\n
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\u2019s coronation and hold a public competition to design the artwork on the sides of the feature.<\/p>\n
Transfer responsibility for the site to a community group to take on the feature, fund and shape its future as a community asset \u2013 in a similar way to the Hove Plinth on the seafront. <\/p>\n