Regeneration

Town Centre Bracknell Forest is a diverse and ever-changing borough, bursting with life and vitality. Bracknell Forest Council is dedicated to continually protecting and enhancing the environment in which we live. Below are just a few of the building projects currently in the town centre and around the borough which aim to improve Bracknell Forest for all of its residents.

Town centre regeneration - Both Bracknell Forest Council and Bracknell Regeneration Partnership are committed to ensuring that Bracknell will have a new town centre to be proud of, not just for the next few years, but for decades to come. For more information about town centre activities today and for the future see the Bracknell and Change Bracknell websites.

Bracknell train station Bracknell train station – Work is reaching completion on improvements to the forecourt at Bracknell train station. The £600,000 scheme was developed by Bracknell Forest Council, in partnership with South West Trains and Network Rail. New features will include a larger taxi rank, a corporate bus bay and shelter, improved cycle parking facilities, additional short term car parking, a new pedestrian crossing, improved lighting, new seating and landscaping. The improvements are expected to be completed by the end of December. Access for rail users will be maintained during construction.

Health facilities – Bracknell Forest Council welcomes the news that a dedicated health centre is to be built in the town centre. NHS Berkshire East announced earlier this year that a healthspace has been planned for Market Street and will bring a wide range of services closer to the homes of many people. Services will include urgent care, GP services, physiotherapy and specialist appointments. For more information visit the NHS Berkshire East website. Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has announced plans to open a cancer and kidney treatment centre less than a mile from the town centre in Brants Bridge, Bullbrook. For more information see the Royal Berkshire NHS website.

Garth Hill College – Work is well underway for the rebuild of Garth Hill, located on the outskirts of the town centre. Bracknell Forest Council has been successful at securing a significant amount of funding via the government’s Building Schools for The Future programme to rebuild Garth Hill College. The new building is due to be open in September 2011, after which the old buildings will be demolished. For more information and to watch the live webcams, visit the Garth Hill College website.

South Hill Park – An extensive multi-million pound restoration scheme has been launched for South Hill Park. The project is funded by a joint bid for the money from Bracknell Forest Council, Bracknell Town Council and the South Hill Park Arts Centre Trust. A grant was also given by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund. Major work will include restoring the terrace garden and conserving and enhancing woodland areas. Work is anticipated to begin during the first half of 2010.

Bracknell and Wokingham College – September saw the much anticipated opening of the new building for the college in the town centre. The impressive white structure is a landmark that borough residents can be proud of.