focus on bracknell
Bracknell: The nation’s newest former New Town
Bracknell is the first post-war New Town to be comprehensively master-planned, demolished, reconfigured and rebuilt
The Lexicon (CGI)
By spring 2017, when The Lexicon retail and leisure complex is opened, Bracknell will be transformed as “one of the most modern and convenient town-centre destinations in the UK and a progressive place in which to live, work, and socialise,” according to Victor Nicholls of Bracknell Forest Council.
In truth, Bracknell’s rebirth as a new New Town has been a long time coming, but following the formation in 2003 of the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership (BRP), a 50:50 joint venture between Legal & General Capital and Schroder UK Real Estate Fund, together with Bracknell Forest Council, the town’s regeneration dreams are becoming bricks and mortar reality.
Overcoming decision-making delays prompted by the 2008 recession, extensive town-centre demolition, reconstruction and infrastructure improvement has been ongoing since 2013. Tired and dated 1950-60s architecture disappeared as roughly
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a third of the town was remodelled as part of the overall redevelopment scheme.
It’s been a successful public-private working relationship and Bracknell is well on its way to achieving its long- held vision of creating a town centre fit for 21st century lifestyles.
In fact, this May Bracknell won ‘Town of the Year’ recognition at the 2016 Thames Valley Property Awards (TVPA), which highlighted its radical redevelopment progress.
But, as an overall town, what is its current image, its lifestyle appeal, business attractiveness, and competitive status among its urban challengers?
We asked some informed business and community representatives to provide their personal thoughts about Bracknell – where it’s at now, its opportunities and challenges, and what the future might hold for the town.
Our contributors:
Cllr Marc Brunel-Walker, executive member for economic development and regeneration, Bracknell Forest Council, within BRP
Vanessa Cheung, marketing executive, Tower Leasing
Hannah Durden, development manager, Berwick Hill Properties
James Finnis, head of south east office agency at real estate advisory firm JLL
Simon Fryer, founding owner of property advisers Fryer Commercial
Barinder Hothi, MD, The Knowledge Academy
Victor Nicholls, assistant chief executive, Bracknell Forest Council
Clair Prosser, press officer, BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association)
Simon Russian, development manager for L&G Property, within BRP
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – SEPTEMBER 2016
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