Bracknell residents have seen their beloved town centre go through many transformations over the years.

From the days of a thriving Princess square and Bentall department store to the creation of the Lexicon in 2017.

We asked the News readers ‘what is the one thing Bracknell really needs to improve it’s look’.

The one aspect of Bracknell that came out unanimously was the look and feel of Princess Square in 2022 and the number of empty shops that have slowly dwindled in the last few years and left Bracknell's favourite complex looking like a ghost town.

Lisa Shaw commented: “Princess Square looks AWFUL - it has no soul, and is just full of empty shops. It needs more entertainment venues. We have some good escape rooms, and a subpar bowling alley in a part of town that isn't cared for, but what else?

The Sainsbury’s that was a much-loved staple in Princess Square was closed down during the pandemic. A slight sore spot for many residents who were fond of the supermarket chain.

Michelle Nutton, commented: “I want princess square to have shops again. I love the new town refurb and more stylish shops but you still need to have the lower budget friendly shops too, not just Primark.

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“Also, I miss the local Sainsburys and an independent Iceland. They weren't massive supermarkets but they were perfect for weekly shops or just to browse and grab a few essentials with good deals and budget friendly.”

However, it seems that over the next few months and years the future of Princess Square will be looking up.

Rob Morris, general manager at The Lexicon says: “With the Covid 19 pandemic, looking as though it is finally in retreat, there has been a definite increase in serious interest from retailers and restaurants in The Lexicon.  

“I am confident that we will have new occupants to announce in the coming months, and opening dates for Sports Direct, FoneWorld and Wimpy.”

Spring 2022 will see the opening of the new Sport’s Direct located in the old Sainsbury’s unit in Princess Square, in a slightly delayed opening date. The company submitted a plan to build in the old Sainsbury’s unit in May 2021 with an expected opening date of winter 2021/22.

The shopping complex also saw the arrival of the new Pure Gym in it’s 12,000 sq ft. upstairs unit in December 2021.