The next phase of development to The Lexicon in Bracknell is on schedule to open next year. 

A new leisure and shopping quarter called The Deck had an initial opening date of 2022. However, this was pushed back by a year after a delay in beginning the development stage. 

The Deck, which will have 14 units, will occupy the space created by the demolition of Bentall's department store. 

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The general manager at The Lexicon, Rob Morris, said: “The Deck is on track to complete in 2023 and is the next important step in making the town centre ‘the’ new local place to be in the evening. 

“The introduction of The Botanist and Hollywood Bowl will also enhance the town’s night-time economy, which had previously been so lacking.” 

According to previous reports, The Deck will cost an estimated £19.9 million. 

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Of that, £12 million of investment will come from Bracknell Regeneration Partnership (BRP), a joint venture between Legal & General, a financial services and asset management company, and the Schroders UK investment company. 

BRP had already spent £1 million on scheme appraisal costs, according to a report in November 2020. 

Bracknell Forest Council will have contributed £6 million once the project was finished, and £955,882 from the Department of Transport has also been invested. 

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Demand for unit space at The Lexicon had declined due to the pandemic but expectations are that interest will rise after the removal of all legal restrictions. 

Morris added: “With the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic receding, there has been a definite increase in serious interest from retailers and restaurants in The Lexicon. 

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