Bracknell’s Regeneration: Sears Property Update

Bracknell’s Regeneration has been a hot topic now for several years, and after lots of planning, re-planning, and a number of false starts for the 90-acre site... The regeneration is finally happening. The bulldozers have been in and the build has started, The completion date has been set and the excitement is building with everyone eager to see what the finished project is going to look like. So what does this mean for our town?

Securing such a key food retailer such as Waitrose in the town's regeneration was the first step and has undoubtedly encouraged other major anchor businesses to sign up to the scheme. A brand new new M&S located next to Waitrose is due to be built and will play a large part in attracting more shoppers to the town. Immediately adjacent to Millennium Way, it will offer unrivalled access and convenience for the local residence.

The other big names who have confirmed that they are taking up residence in Bracknell are: Next, Burton, Top Man, Top Shop, Fenwick, Dorothy Perkins and H&M who will all be situated in <ahref=" http:="" www.thelexiconbracknell.com="" "="" target="_blank">The Lexicon shopping centre, but it’s not just about the retailers, something that forms a very important part of the regeneration is bringing much needed leisure facilities, restaurants and cafes. The first big name to sign up was <ahref="http: www.cineworld.co.uk="" "="" target="_blank">Cineworld and since then we have had confirmation that eight restaurants have agreed to take residents, these include Carluccio’s, Zizzi, Coast to Coast,Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Pizza Express, Wagamama, Nando’s and Las Iguanas.

Helen Barnett, marketing manager at Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, said: "We are delighted that Cineworld is coming to the town centre. One of the goals for the regeneration is to boost the town's night time entertainment offer and we feel that this is a great step towards this aim."

Exciting times lay ahead as we have finally been provided with a detailed time line and can look forward to the project being completed by spring 2017.

Councillor Marc Brunel-Walker, executive member for economic development and regeneration at Bracknell Forest Council, said: "Bracknell will be a truly fantastic place to visit, shop and socialise come Spring 2017, providing Bracknell Forest`s much needed social and cultural heart."

So what happens next? 

Following the Northern development, work has started and will continue on Charles Square, Eagle House, Princess Square, the Southern Gateway, Stanley Walk and Jubilee Gardens. We will also see four new squares appear in the town: New Square, Bond Square and North Square. Changes, indeed.
But don’t worry, with all the new things that are coming, the council are making sure we won’t lose the town’s landmarks and end up just like every other town. The new retail areas will fit around the five Grade Two listed buildings: the Red Lion pub, The Bull pub, Whynscar House, the Old Manor pub, and Gingers, as well as the War Memorial in Stanley Walk. Bracknell’s history, heritage and personality will all remain intact.

All of us at Sears are thrilled about the regeneration and will be remaining in our new and improved office in the heart of Bracknell. Being locals, we feel this is something the town’s been waiting for and will eagerly embrace the new changes. We view the regeneration as more than just benefits to the shopping, leisure and lifestyle aspects, the changes will no doubt bring a significant boost to Bracknell’s economy too. So here’s to the future of Bracknell!!

Image credits and copyright: The Lexicon and Waitrose, Get Reading