A major milestone was reached in the creation of new affordable and social rent homes in Bracknell town centre last week, when a topping out ceremony took place at the new Market Street development.
A corner of Market Street is being transformed from derelict wasteland into 169 new homes – with 81 being designated as either affordable, social rent or shared ownership.
The construction has now reached the highest point, so to mark this significant part of the project a topping out ceremony was held on Wednesday, 9 July. The event took place on top of Block A, standing at 17 storeys, with all three buildings that are part of the Market Street development having now reached roof level.
The regeneration of the site is being carried out by The Bracknell Forest Cambium Partnership (a joint venture between Bracknell Forest Council and Countryside Partnerships – part of the Vistry group). Representatives from the partnership were joined by representatives from Abri to mark the occasion. Abri is the registered social landlord that will be managing the new affordable and social rent homes.
Out of the 169 new, environmentally friendly homes, 81 will be designated affordable homes for local people. Of those homes, 29 will be shared ownership and 52 will be social rent. Abri is using its own funding, alongside grant funding from its strategic partnership with Homes England (the government’s housing and regeneration agency) to make 48% of the homes on the site affordable, shared ownership or available for social rent. Once constructed they will be allocated to people on the council’s housing register as per the housing policy (PDF, 1MB).
All the homes will be environmentally friendly and will include features such as:
- solar panels
- electric vehicle (EV) charging points
- energy efficient appliances
- low carbon energy usage
- 309 secure cycle spaces
Commercial space will also be created as part of the project and new landscaping and trees will also be planted.
In a bid to further increase sustainable travel options, spaces will be created for car club vehicles.
Market Street is the second site to be developed by the Cambium Partnership. The redevelopment of Coopers Hill was the first site to be redeveloped with construction starting at the end of 2022 and the first residents moving in in December 2023.
Both sites are key in realising the council’s ambition to completely regenerate the Bracknell town centre in phases.
Cllr Paul Bidwell, cabinet member for economy and regeneration at Bracknell Forest Council, said:
“We’ve been very clear that providing affordable homes and economic growth are big priorities for Bracknell Forest Council, so it was a real pleasure to see how far the Market Street development has come and be part of its topping out. In terms of heritage, calling the development Brickmark Place is a nice gesture to the area’s past as a renowned former brick-making area. The development, which is on a previously derelict site, has not only reclaimed a brownfield site for much needed affordable and social housing, but will provide an exciting further step forward in Bracknell town centre’s overall regeneration. I’m looking forward to seeing the construction progress even further and the first residents move in.”
Nick Churcher, managing director for Vistry West London, said:
“Reaching the highest point of Market Street is a testament to the strength of our partnership with Bracknell Forest Council and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that meet the needs of the local community. This development not only brings much-needed affordable housing to the area but also contributes to the wider regeneration of Bracknell town centre. We look forward to continuing our work with all partners involved as we move towards completion next year.”
Tom Mason, regional assistant director of housing at Abri, said:
“It’s a proud moment to see these new homes progressing, knowing they’ll have a lasting, positive impact on the community. By working in partnership with Bracknell Forest Cambium Partnership we’re helping to provide more affordable homes in a great location, with easy access to local amenities, helping residents stay connected to work, education and services. On our part, Abri is committed to delivering 10,000 homes by 2030, and partnerships likes this are crucial to achieving that goal.”
More information
Bracknell Forest Council and Countryside Partnerships formed the joint-venture partnership in December 2020. The partnership’s aspiration is to redevelop council-owned sites in Bracknell with the potential to deliver approximately 400 homes in total, alongside flexible commercial and community space.
Construction at Market Street is due to finish next year with the affordable homes expected to be handed over to Abri by the end of 2026. The affordable homes on the site will be managed by Abri and will be allocated to people on the council’s housing register as per the housing policy (PDF, 1MB).