REGENERATION
CASE STUDY
BRACKNELL Bracknell is described as being in its most exciting period of transformation since the construction of the original New Town in 1949. The opening of The Lexicon shopping centre in 2017, including Fenwicks Department Store, a Cineworld cinema and a range of new high-quality shops and restaurants, rejuvenated the area and it is now experiencing a residential resurgence, with a series of new developments either complete or in the pipeline. Bracknell Town Centre Vision 2032 clearly demonstrates the council’s commitment to continued growth over the coming decade, promising to draw on the town’s 20th century New Town character and blend this with its deeper legacy as a historic town to “create a hybrid which captures the benefits of both worlds”.
SO Resi Bracknell Conveniently located near the newly
Briony Hughes and her partner bought a two bedroom apartment at SO Resi Bracknell, having reserved off-plan in December 2022 and completed in October 2023. They were previously renting an older property in a village, and since they moved into their new home the difference has been amazing. Briony said, ”Our old at had just one bedroom, it was within a listed building which was cold and damp, and we had to drive everywhere. Now we’re living in a brand new two bedroom apartment in the centre of town, just a minute’s walk from the train station. We wouldn’t have been able to afford to buy our rst home without using an affordable scheme, so shared ownership made homeownership possible for us. Buying a home has given us so many bene ts – we now have an extra bedroom, which is perfect for guests, and we have a working from home set-up and plenty of room for my books as I’m an English Literature lecturer! “We were saving for a deposit while I was completing my PhD. Thankfully, I had a stipend which covered all of my living and research expenses, and then I did lots of teaching at a handful of universities on top of that to earn extra income, while my partner saved from her salary each month. It was hard work but it allowed us to build up a 15% deposit for our home. I nally feel secure in my home. Every home we’ve ever rented has been sold while we were living there, which meant we never felt settled, and we were always on the lookout for somewhere else to live in case we were served notice. That anxiety has completely gone.” Their new home came complete with ooring, blinds and tted kitchen including good-quality integrated appliances. SO Resi Bracknell is perfectly located and is within walking distance of the shops, cinema, supermarket and railway station. Briony adds, “It’s much better for the planet and for my health, and we’re saving so much money on petrol. There’s a martial arts studio across the road so I’ve even picked up a new hobby which wouldn’t have been possible before! We both feel we can nally put down roots and create a permanent home in the community here. Without shared ownership we would never have been in this position.”
regenerated high street, these one and two bedroom apartments are at the heart of Bracknell’s regeneration. Bracknell railway station is also just a two-minute walk away with direct links to London Waterloo and Reading. Each home bene ts from private outdoor space, with parking available for all homes.
soresi.co.uk/ nd-a-property/so-resi-bracknell
*Based on a 30% share of the full market value of £267,500
The Grand Exchange
Knight Frank has just launched the nal phase of sales at The Grand Exchange – a agship development offering 242 spacious and
contemporary one and two bedroom apartments with oor-to-ceiling windows. Upscale nishes include stone countertops, and select penthouse apartments boast spacious terraces. There is an unmatched array of exclusive on-site amenities, including a 24-hour concierge, The Life-Club tness and wellness centre, The Garden Room with indoor landscaping, and The Exchange Lab, a co-working space offering shared of ce amenities and collaboration areas. Additional highlights include a private dining and event space with picturesque views, and on-demand treatment rooms for booking beauty services.
knightfrank.co.uk 020 4502 8066
BRENT
One of the biggest regeneration projects in Europe, "Delivering for Barnet" will create a new centre, Brent Cross Cricklewood, incorporating: • Brent Cross London – a modernised and extended shopping centre • Brent Cross South – a new high street with 6,700 new homes, commercial development, community facilities and public spaces • Brent Cross Thameslink – a new station.
Residents will benefit from 7,500 new homes built to sustainable standards, a new high street with shops, cafes and restaurants, new healthcare facilities and new and replacement schools. There will be a new leisure centre, a market square and a riverside park. The area will also benefit from economic growth, with up to 27,000 new jobs, 4.2 million square feet of office space and fresh employment opportunities provided by the shopping centre.
28 First Time Buyer April/May 2024
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