The Lexicon has spoken out over claims it is ‘impossible’ for businesses to succeed in its shopping centre after more than a dozen have closed its doors since 2022.

The shopping centre which opened in 2017 was a key part of Bracknell Forest Council’s regeneration of the town centre.

But concerns have been raised by shopkeepers and residents alike over the high rate of store turnover in the Lexicon – with some claiming it is ‘impossible’ for small businesses to survive.

A total of 14 stores have shut in the Lexicon since 2022. In 2022, the shopping centre lost Patisserie Valerie, Jack Wills, Bills, Seasalt and EE.

Then in 2023, Paperchase, Fourstate, Prezzo, Plush and Menkind all closed its doors.

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This year has seen four further store closures, including Joules, Coffee Barker, TGI Fridays and Chopstix.

Other stores that have opened in its place include Hobbes, Levi’s and Tesco, Dunelm, which is set to open next spring.

Many have closed due to nationwide business closures, but others could be due to eyewatering business rates, which was the case for Coffee Barker.

Coffee Barker told the News in June: “The rates are so high that there won’t be any shops left unless the Lexicon gives businesses some help.

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“The town’s not busy enough during he week and even during the weekend, people are choosing to eat at these new cafes and restaurants instead of supporting the businesses that have been in the town for years.”

But the Lexicon management has insisted that the shopping centre remains 98 per cent let.

Rob Morris, General Manager of the Lexicon said: “As one of the Thames Valley’s premier retail destinations, the Lexicon continues to attract significant interest from a range of national and international brands.

“We are always in discussions with potential new arrivals, and we expect to be ale to announce more brands joining our offering soon.”

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The Lexicon has also recently announced lease extensions which ‘demonstrate the confidence existing retailers continue to place’ in the shopping hub.

These include Mobile Blitz, Footlocker and McDonalds.

Paul Bidwell, cabinet member for economy and regeneration said that footfall at the Lexicon is ‘continuing to grow year on year’.

Councillor Bidwell said: “This strong demand for businesses, with recent additions and lease extensions from notable brands, is a testament to the Lexicon’s and Bracknell’s reputation as a retail and leisure destination.

“While any business closure is naturally concerning, it’s important to recognise that some of the closures seen at the Lexicon recently have been decided at a national level when a whole chain ceases trading.”

Bracknell Forest Council ‘understands concerns about [business] rates and encourages businesses to explore the various reliefs available to them’.