Mysterious construction works going on at vacant Deck

The vacant area opposite The Bull pub on High Street has been boarded off for over three years following the demolition of the Bentalls Department store in 2021.

The space was once planned for a major shopping area and nightlife hub as part of the regeneration project for Bracknell town centre – but plans were finally scrapped completely in October 2023 due to rising costs making the scheme 'unviable'. Since then, temporary ideas were also floated for the area including a market stalls area - none of which have amounted to any progress at the site.

However, hopes were recently raised for redevelopment of the derelict space as residents spotted mysterious construction work taking place at the site. Pictures sent by Charlie Stevens on August 8 show the mysterious works taking place.

(Image: Charlie Stevens)

But a Lexicon spokesperson has confirmed that despite scaffolding being erected, no further progress has been made on the site.

Sue Boor, head of marketing at The Lexicon told the News: “Scaffolding has been erected on The Deck site in order to carry out routine checks to the large banners in that area.

“This is part of regular health and safety checks done by The Lexicon and will be done again in September. There is no construction work being carried out on the site.”

Bracknell locals were disappointed with the news that plans for the Deck had fallen through.

After planning permission was granted in 2019, very little progress was made to the boarded-up area. Bracknell Forest Council cited the Covid-19 pandemic and rising construction costs as to why work never got underway.

What the Deck could have looked like (Image: Bracknell Forest Council)

In October 2023, the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership said that plans to build the Deck had become ‘commercially unviable’, and it had begun a ‘major rethink’ of what to do with the land instead.

While some rumours of alternative use emerged, such as a children’s play area or food stalls area, none have come to fruition.

Bracknell Forest Council has said that it is ‘pushing hard to get the Deck open’. Councillor Paul Bidwell, in charge of economy and regeneration, said he hoped the site could be used to introduce nightlife to the town, although new plans could also involve housing.

The councillor added: “We want to see the end of young people getting on a bus and going to Windsor – after 9pm it gets a little quiet in the town. I also want to encourage music venues in current pubs.

“The fact The Deck ran out of time means yes, we start from square one, but there has been a new development because they have to make the most of that space.”