A MUCH-LOVED mural is returning to the town centre after being taken down to make way for The Lexicon.
The William Mitchell Mural was placed above Mothercare in Charles Square but was taken down before the demolition of the town centre got underway because it was ‘too big’ for the redeveloped sites.
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But now council bosses have found a new home for the frieze — on the external east side of Braccan Walk Car Park between floors three and five.
Councillor Marc Brunel-Walker, Bracknell Forest Council’s (BFC) regeneration chief, told the News: “Over the past two years we have been working on finding a space large enough to re-home the William Mitchell mural, that is both prominent and secure.
“The time taken reflects our desire to explore all viable options and ensure the new location is the right one.
“We’re delighted to have found a potential new long-term home along the wall of Braccan Walk car park, subject to a successful planning process.
“This location would allow the art to be placed along one of the major routes through the town.
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“The project to reinstate the mural is one of the developers’ obligations as part of the regeneration and the costs are being met by Bracknell Regeneration Partnership.
“Unfortunately, due to the size of the mural and space constraints within The Lexicon, it simply isn’t possible to relocate it back into the main town centre.
“However, we know this piece of art is remembered fondly by many residents and we hope they will be excited to see it finally placed back within the borough in a prominent position.”
The 30-metre mural was commissioned in 1974 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Bracknell becoming a new town.
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It depicts the history of the town its surroundings, including references to Roman history, incursions to the Danes and Bracknell’s royal links, according to a report from the BBC.
Resident Rob Francis welcomed the plans, telling the News: “It's great that this piece of Bracknell's history is finally being put back on display.
“The last time I saw it, it was dumped on the grass at the Met Office roundabout, just waiting to be stolen or vandalised!
"I recalled that a lot of people were as unhappy about it being removed as they were about the bandstand and when the regeneration team pledged to relocate it I was very keen that they should honour that
“Although it's sadly not going up in the most visible part of town, I think this is a better location than was originally proposed.
“Keeping it high up also keeps it relatively safe."
Bracknell Forest Planning chiefs are currently considering plans to place the mural at Braccan Walk Car Park.
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