A leading Bracknell councillor has laid out his proudest achievement in assisting with the regeneration of the town centre as he prepares to exit council life.
Councillor Marc Brunel-Walker (Conservative, Crown Wood) announced that he would be retiring as a councillor on Bracknell Forest Council ahead of the all-out elections this May.
He has served for years as the executive member for economic development and regeneration and chaired the town centre regeneration committee.
Cllr Brunel-Walker chaired his last committee meeting on Monday, March 20.
In a farewell statement, he said: “As a long-standing member of the Bracknell Town Regeneration Committee, this week marks a bittersweet moment for me.
“It’s a doubly-whammy of lasts, and tonight’s goodbye is going to be especially tough.
“I’ve been the chairman of this committee since before the demolition even began, through countless ups and downs, good days and bad.
“We’ve spent late nights hashing out agreements and weathered horrendous setbacks, but through it all, we remained determined to deliver a project that would make our community proud.And finally, after years of hard work and dedication, we did it.
“I’ll never forget the feeling of accomplishment when the chief said the one word we’d been waiting for ‘done.’
“The Lexicon took shape before our eyes, a shining testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision.”
However, cllr Brunel-Walker expressed disappointment that The Deck project at The Lexicon has not been delivered, with its estimated completion now set for April 2024.
He said: “But as much as I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, I’m also disappointed that I wasn’t able to deliver on the other half of my promise – to bring The Deck to life.
“Despite our best efforts, it just hasn’t happened yet. But I remain hopeful that someday, someone else will take up the mantle and turn that dream into a reality.
“As I step down from my role in May, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve been on. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been an experience that I’ll never forget.
“And as I look to the future, I’m excited to see what comes next for Bracknell.
“It’s a town with a bright future, and I’m proud to have played a part in shaping it.
“Thank you to has been a part of this journey with me.
“It’s been an honour to serve as chair of the Bracknell Town Regeneration Committee, and I’m grateful for the memories we’ve made together.
“Here’s to the next chapter, and all the exciting things it will bring.”
Cllr Brunel-Walker also thanked colleagues, the former chief executive Timothy Wheadon and council officers for their work.
He added the project had “unstinting and unwavering support” from councillors, “no matter their politics.”
Signing off, cllr Brunel-Walker said: “My thanks go to everybody that’s helped to make it the success that it is.”
The Lexicon opened to fanfare in 2017, with a crowning moment being Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visiting the following year.
Since then, events such as the appearance of the Bracknell Forest Giants in 2021 and 2022 have attracted visitors to the centre.
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