Developer Countryside has been appointed by Bracknell Forest Council to deliver hundreds of affordable new homes as part of the town centre’s regeneration
Countryside will deliver new homes, shops, leisure and health facilities in Bracknell.
This is for the third phase of the town centre’s regeneration, focusing on key areas adjacent to the main Lexicon retail area.
The appointment follows a thorough tender process.
It will initially see Countryside redevelop three key sites alongside the council – Market Street, Jubilee Gardens, Coopers Hill
The sites are expected to provide up to 140 new affordable homes as well as 260 market homes, a new health centre, restaurant, gym, office space, community space and public art.
The new developments will complement The Lexicon, which formed the first phase of the town’s regeneration.
Regeneration journey
Councillor Marc Brunel-Walker, executive member for economic development and regeneration, said: “The council has a long-held aspiration to redevelop the whole of Bracknell town centre to benefit its residents and economy.
“From the very start of our regeneration journey we planned for this to be carried out in phases, which started with The Lexicon and now this is the start of the next exciting phase in our overall vision.
“As part of the process we spent a lot of time discussing Bracknell Forest’s aims with all considered developers and Countryside’s commitment and focus on the whole community really stood out at every stage.
“Therefore, we’re delighted to welcome Countryside on our regeneration journey with us as they have a history of supporting quality regeneration and strong partnership working, which best fits our aspirations for the 3 key sites.
“I know The Lexicon is much-loved as our borough’s social and cultural heart and I’m sure our community will welcome the redevelopment of these three additional sites to bring about homes, including 140 affordable homes in a prime location, shops, restaurants, a gym and new health centre.”
Mike Woolliscroft, chief executive of partnerships at Countryside, added: “We are thrilled to have been chosen to be the joint-venture partner for this landmark town centre regeneration programme.
“This is testament to our expertise in meaningful and sustainable regeneration having worked on large-scale schemes for over 4 decades.
“We are also proud of the culture we have cultivated entrenched in close collaboration, meticulous community engagement and transparency.
“We look forward to working with the council in further delivering a town centre fit for generations to come.”
Timescales for the work are yet to be determined.
Legal documents are due to be signed later this year and planning permission is expected to be submitted in early 2021.
