The Lexicon Bracknell is continuing to attract appealing brands some six months after it opened, ensuring there will always be something for everyone. Emphasising local customers’ interest in independent operators, as well as enticing the 15,000 workers within walking distance, Brown Bag Café and Pret A Manger have signed to join the impressive line-up in Bracknell town centre.
Opened on 7 September 2017, The Lexicon Bracknell has attracted top retailers including Fenwick, Marks & Spencer, Next and Superdry. The town centre’s evening offer has been transformed with the opening of a 12 screen Cineworld, featuring the only 4DX screen in the Thames Valley, and 10 casual dining restaurants, such as Nando’s, wagamama, PizzaExpress and Carluccio’s. The Bull, a Grade II-listed pub dating from the 1500s, has been lovingly refurbishing including a contemporary extension.
Already, café and bar Coffee Barker Vino & Cocktails has proved popular amongst shoppers, highlighting the interesting tenant mix of both local independents and international brands. This creates a point of difference from nearby retail destinations, encouraging customers to visit more often and stay for longer, benefiting retailers and restauranteurs.
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. These new signings mean The Lexicon is now 92.4% per cent let or in solicitors’ hands, by floor space, with a further 1,798 sq ft in negotiations.
Bracknell will provide the fourth location for a Brown Bag Café, all in Berkshire, which is taking a 3,180 sq ft unit on High Street near Toni & Guy, Ryman and Holland & Barrett. The business was founded in Windsor in 2003 to provide quality, fresh food with friendly personal service. All sandwiches are made by hand each morning in its kitchen. In January 2014, Brown Bag was granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment of Caterers to Her Majesty The Queen.
Tony Edwards, founder and managing director of Brown Bag, said: “There’s a great buzz around the new-look Bracknell town centre and we want to be part of it. The footfall and customer profile since opening have been impressive. We’re sure that our breakfasts, food selections, shakes and more will appeal to customers that live in, work in and visit The Lexicon.”
Additionally, Pret A Manger has signed a lease for 3,870 sq ft in The Avenue, alongside Joules, Paperchase and Jack Wills. Bracknell is renowned for business. It has 13 of the world’s top $30bn+ corporations and names like Dell, Panasonic, HP, Waitrose and Fujitsu. But 15,000 workers within walking distance mostly ignored the previous shopping area before the £240m regeneration.
Richard Poyser, Head of Retail Relationships & Leasing for Legal & General, said: “The wide choice of restaurants, bars and cafés provides a strong draw for local workers. For a lunchtime sandwich and shopping, business meeting in a casual dining restaurant, hot-desking in a coffee shop with a laptop and free wifi, or an after-work drink with colleagues, the opportunity for frequent and regular footfall is considerable. This encourages them to return at weekends with their families to enjoy a movie, meal and visit the shops.”
Companies looking to relocate or expand will consider local facilities and attractions in making their decisions. One of the Thames Valley’s largest lettings was recently announced within the town with a new Panasonic UK headquarters. Raj Rajput, Managing Director of Hines UK which secured the deal, commented on the “real buzz” around Bracknell, describing The Lexicon as a “game-changer, breathing new life into the town”.
Harry Pickering, Investment Manager at Schroder UK Real Estate Fund, and Head of UK Retail, said: “The transformed town centre now mirrors the borough’s quality of life and economic prosperity. The overriding vision was to create a welcoming and engaging contemporary and timeless town centre with the residents and customers at the heart. Both Brown Bag Café and Pret a Manger will add to the overall choice we are seeking to create for customers.”