Bracknell Forest Council and The Lexicon welcomed Her Majesty The Queen to Bracknell town centre on Friday (19th October). Guided by the council’s chief executive, Timothy Wheadon, The Queen took a tour of The Lexicon, which has fast become the borough’s much-longed for social and cultural heart.
The Queen started the tour with a visit to The Bull, where she was introduced to architects who helped transform the 14th century pub into the proud building it is today. She was also introduced to Cllr Marc Brunel-Walker, executive member for economic development and regeneration, and viewed before and after photos of the town’s regeneration as well as a time-lapse video created during construction.
Outside The Bull, The Queen was greeted by more than 75 of the borough’s primary schoolchildren who excitedly waved Union Jack flags.
At Union Square, The Queen was introduced to a number of key staff from the project’s construction, development and architectural teams, before walking along Braccan Walk North where she was able to experience first-hand some of what Bracknell’s new town centre has to offer.
Outside Fenwick, The Queen was introduced to Bracknell Forest Council, The Lexicon, Schroders and Legal & General staff who were the key players in bringing the town centre regeneration to fruition. She was also introduced to Kerry Lemon, the scheme’s main artist.
At Fenwick, The Queen was greeted by two-year-old Alba Fenwick Kelly who presented a posy of flowers before The Queen was introduced to Hugo Fenwick, store development director, Mia Fenwick, brand and marketing director and Leo Fenwick, head of brand. She also viewed a curation of British designers within the store and paused to speak with team members.
The tour was concluded by The Queen unveiling a commemorative plaque alongside Cllr Paul Bettison, OBE, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council on The Avenue. Berkshire Maestros provide an elegant medley of music for The Queen who was presented with a posy of flowers by two children from Birch Hill Primary School before being waved off by the other schoolchildren.
Cllr Paul Bettison, OBE, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said:
“It was a great honour to have Her Majesty The Queen visit The Lexicon today. I’m humbled that The Queen accepted my offer to view our new town centre, which has truly become the social and cultural heart of the borough.
“I’m delighted that The Queen was able to experience the fantastic new town centre we have here and that she was able to visit The Bull, which has been transformed remarkably, as well as Fenwick, which has established a new home in Bracknell. Today was a day that I’m sure nobody will forget.”
