Further top retail brands have joined the impressive tenant mix at The Lexicon Bracknell. Swarovski, designers of high-quality crystal collections, JD Sports, the UK’s leading trainer and sports fashion retailer, and Australian homeware specialist House, in its second store in the UK, have all signed up to open in the regenerated town centre.
Swarvovski’s sparkling crystal products will be available in a new 750 sq ft store on The Avenue, adding to other jewellery choices including Beverbrooks, Ernest Jones, F. Hinds and Pandora. The new 6,500 sq ft JD Sports shop will be on Braccan Walk and joins Foot Locker, Clarks, Timberland, Shoezone, Skechers and Office. House, which is taking a 3,000 sq ft unit also on Braccan Walk, adds to the homeware selection in the town centre such as Ponden Home, Mishkat Home and First Home Choice.
Richard Poyser, Head of Retail Relationships & Leasing for Legal & General, said: “The overriding vision for the regeneration of Bracknell was to create a welcoming and engaging contemporary and timeless town centre with the residents and customers at the heart. Through great brand names and more than 100 fashion, beauty, homeware and technology stores, we are ensuring there’s something for everyone.”
These new signings mean The Lexicon is now 92.4% per cent let or in solicitors’ hands, by floor space, with a further 12,000 sq ft in negotiations.
Part of a £768 million investment in the regeneration of Bracknell Forest Borough, the renovated town centre includes The Lexicon Bracknell, a brand new, 580,000 sq ft social and cultural heart for the town and for East Berkshire. The significantly improved town centre has one million sq ft of retail, restaurants and leisure space, including the existing Princess Square shopping centre.
Attractions at The Lexicon Bracknell include the first, new build, full line Fenwick to open in 14 years as one of the anchor stores. The town centre has the Thames Valley’s only 4DX screen at the 12-screen Cineworld. The importance of sustainability in Bracknell Forest is demonstrated with one of the largest green walls in Europe along The Avenue. And heritage is respected with the renovation and extension of The Bull public house, which dates back to the 15th century.
Harry Pickering, Investment Manager at Schroder UK Real Estate Fund, said: “In the six months since opening, The Lexicon Bracknell has become the destination of choice for over 60 per cent of people living in the catchment. As a result, footfall is strong and projected to be 16 million across the first 12 months. The continuing interest from retailers and f&b operators to be in Bracknell shows the appeal of the new and affluent customers attracted to the much improved town centre.”
The Lexicon Bracknell was developed by the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, a 50:50 joint venture between Legal & General Capital and Schroder UK Real Estate Fund, together with Bracknell Forest Council. Joint agents for The Lexicon are CBRE and Lunson Mitchenall.
