MAJOR fashion retailer Next has been named as the latest store to sign up to Bracknell's new town centre. 

Announced this morning, the new 27,600 sq ft store will stretch over three floors in The Lexicon Bracknell and joins the chain's original store in the Peel Centre, which will remain open. 

Developers say there are many more 'exciting' annoucements to come and the introduction of a new Next store is a 'major vote of confidence' in the regenerated town centre. 

Simon Russian, development manager for Legal & General on behalf of the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, said: “The exciting news that Next will be opening a major three level fashion store in the new town centre perfectly aligns with the wider purpose of the regeneration to attract the best fashion brands to The Lexicon Bracknell. We are confident that the influential brands we have on board so far will provide a compelling shopping and leisure offer to residents and visitors.

“It is a major vote of confidence in The Lexicon Bracknell that one of the UK’s biggest and most acquisitive retailers recognises the potential of having a major fashion store that complements the fashion offer that has already been confirmed." 

The Lexicon Bracknell was launched as the new town centre identity two weeks ago, and more than 60 per cent of the floor space in the new development has already been let ready to open in Spring 2017. 

Steve Ardron, Next's regional estates manager said: "We are pleased to bring our comprehensive fashion offer to The Lexicon Bracknell and are looking forward to opening our new store in early 2017, as part of one of the UK’s most exciting regeneration schemes."

The steel work for a new Marks and Spencers and Fenwicks is almost complete and other retailers already signed up to the scheme include H&M, Topshop and Dorothy Perkins.

Construction of a 12-screen Cineworld is due to start at the end of September.

Cllr Marc Brunel-Walker, executive member for economic development and regeneration, said "It's great news as it shows just how buoyant and bustling our economy is locally.

"Next joins a growing list of high-profile and well-known retailers to join The Lexicon Bracknell, with even more retailers due to be announced over the coming months, making our new town centre the place to be come Spring 2017."