With less than two months to go until the grand opening, further names have signed up for The Lexicon Bracknell adding to the quality of brands already in place. More than 90% of the 580,000 sq ft scheme is pre-let or agreed, with strong interest being shown in the remaining units.
Scheduled to open on 7 September 2017, the architecturally-appealing retail and leisure destination is one of the largest urban regeneration schemes currently being built in the UK. Together with the adjacent, existing Princess Square shopping centre, the enlarged town centre will include one million sq ft of retail, restaurants and leisure space.
Contemporary lifestyle brand Superdry leads a string of new lettings, taking a 7,875 sq ft store. It will be joined by homeware and gifts retailer Tiger, with 2,390 sq ft of space, and independent tea, coffee and cocktail bar Coffee Barker will create an all-day destination with a unique, vintage ambience in a 4,000 sq ft unit.
The eclectic mix of Parisian grand cafe and New York bohemian raw materials combine effortlessly to form a stylishly understated destination. In addition, a vast selection of more than 100 loose leaf teas will be available to complete the casual luxury experience that will be located on The Avenue. Open every day for breakfast, brunch and lunch through to supper time, the menu is focused on fresh and simple small plates changing throughout the day every day.
Stephen Barker, Coffee Barker owner said: “We have been looking for the right location to open our second Coffee Barker. When presented with the plans of wide walkways, a strong mix of retailers, and the fantastic catchment area, The Lexicon met our requirements perfectly. As the build is nears completion it’s clear we have made an excellent choice.”
“The Lexicon has an air of refinement and quality that’s rarely executed so well. We have an amazing south facing frontage and I am really looking forward to opening day.”
Richard Poyser, Retail Leasing Manager for Legal & General, said: “The Avenue will be the town’s premium pitch, providing a stylish area for the high-end brands in the town. Customers will love the retail choices and the appealing environment, enhanced with planted areas and trees, complete with plenty of al fresco seating. Bracknell has an affluent and growing catchment and the new town centre will have plenty to appeal to these customers throughout the day.”
The Lexicon Bracknell has attracted top retail and F&B brands such as Las Iguanas, Pizza Express, wagamama, Next, H&M, River Island, Fat Face, Topshop, Pandora, Marks & Spencer and Primark. This line-up includes the first, new build, full line Fenwick to be opened in 11 years as one of the anchor stores in an 80,000 sq ft unit over three levels.
The town centre’s lunchtime and evening offer will be transformed with the opening of a 12 screen Cineworld, featuring the only 4DX screen in the Thames Valley, and 10 casual dining restaurants. As well as a close-by main line railway station and a recently redeveloped bus terminal, some 3,800 spaces are available in new or renovated car parks in the town centre.
Jessica Berney, Head of UK Retail at Schroder Real Estate, commented: “These new signings demonstrate that the lettings momentum is still strong as we approach the September opening date. We continue to bring ‘in demand’ brands to The Lexicon, creating a retail and leisure line-up that will prove hugely popular with customers in Bracknell and beyond.”
Some £768 million is being invested in the regeneration of Bracknell Forest borough, including the town centre and across a wider area. Bracknell is the first post-war New Town to be comprehensively masterplanned, demolished, reconfigured and rebuilt.
The Lexicon Bracknell is being developed by The Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, a 50:50 joint venture between Legal & General Capital and Schroder UK Real Estate Fund, working in partnership with Bracknell Forest Council. The joint agents for The Lexicon Bracknell are CBRE and Lunson Mitchenall.