A legacy of the ‘old’ town centre could get a makeover – with space for a hotel and play areas – as part of the next phase of Bracknell’s transformation.
A ‘masterplan’ for the future of the town centre is being considered by Bracknell Forest Council. It lays out ambitious plans to further the town centre’s regeneration.
The masterplan includes a scheme to revamp the Town Square area around Bracknell Library and Easthampstead House – two distinctive reminders of how the town centre used to look before The Lexicon was completed in 2019.
The new area – known in the plans as the ‘eastern gateway' – will be ‘an opportunity for hotel, leisure and residential uses as well as employment space.’
READ MORE: High Street Car Park could be replaced by 'new neighbourhood'
Places for children to play will be ‘focussed within the town square.' The plans say: “Play opportunities should be incorporated into the space to invite children and families to use the space, and should not be a segregated, fenced off play area.”
They add: “Seating should be fun and convivial, with a mix of formal and informal seating opportunities.”
Plans say Town Square and Easthampstead House will remain ‘to keep part of the New Town’s history and celebrate the architectural style of that era.’
The masterplan document says the modernist Easthampstead House and Bracknell Library buildings are ‘considered unique in their architectural character and positive heritage features from Bracknell’s new town heritage.’
But Easthampstead House could get a roof extension for a hotel and bar, while there could be cafes and restaurants on the ground floor.
And the streets around the Town Square will be redesigned to act ‘as public space more than streets.’ Seating areas and spaces to play will be ‘key features.’
The plans also say walking routes into The Avenue in The Lexicon from the east will be ‘dramatically improved.’
There will also be new buildings – including one of up to 16 storeys overlooking the Met Office roundabout.
READ MORE: Bracknell bus station could be replaced by market square
Yet the plans also say the new development would keep the same layout, which was designed when Bracknell grew as a ‘New Town’ in the mid-twentieth century.
The proposed revamp is part of bigger proposals to continue the regeneration of Bracknell town centre. These include a ‘new neighbourhood’ replacing High Street Car Park and a ‘market square’ replacing Bracknell bus station.
Members of the council’s executive committee – its leading group of councillors – are set to approve a public consultation on the plans at a meeting on Tuesday, March 19.
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