A major masterplan has given a first glimpse of what Bracknell town centre could look like in the years and decades to come with big changes proposed.

Bracknell Forest Council has released proposed ‘masterplans’ for the next phase of the town’s regeneration – which could transform some areas entirely.

The plans describe a town centre that is ‘vibrant and welcoming'. They envision space for ‘new cultural activities’ and leisure – as well as hotels and ‘high quality offices and homes'.

The Lexicon will still be at the centre of the town centre – but development along the outskirts will help create a more ‘outward looking and welcoming approach'.

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Perhaps the biggest change is the proposed replacement of Bracknell bus station with a new ‘market square'.

The now-disused High Street car park would also be demolished and replaced with a ‘new neighbourhood'. And the area around Easthampstead House and Bracknell Library would also get a revamp.

Meanwhile the inner town roads will be ‘remodelled’ to make walking and cycling more appealing.

However, the proposals are still in their early days – and the masterplans do not mean Bracknell Forest Council is committing to building and paying for the transformation itself.

Instead, the plans are an early vision of how the council would like the next phase of Bracknell’s new town centre revamp to look.

If councillors agree to adopt the proposals, they will become a part of the authority's development rules known as a ‘supplementary planning document'. This means any developers who want planning permission to build in these areas will have to show that their designs align with the council’s vision.

So this is just the beginning of what could be a long journey for further regeneration of Bracknell. For context, the masterplan that eventually led to the construction of The Lexicon was adopted by Bracknell Forest Council in 2002.

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But the first phase of the regeneration – the opening of Waitrose on Bond Way – didn’t happen until 2011. And The Lexicon wasn’t finished until 2017. This wasn’t built by the council, but by Bracknell’s biggest landowners, the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership.

Before anything happens, Bracknell residents will get a chance to have their say.

The leading group of councillors in Bracknell Forest – the executive committee – are set to agree on Tuesday, March 19, to launch a public consultation on the masterplan.

Once launched, the consultation will last six weeks – and will involve an exhibition in the town centre for local residents. Plans and documents will also be available to view on the council’s website, in its Time Square office and in all libraries.