The next major step in the regeneration of Bracknell town centre will begin on Wednesday (March 12) when roadworks to pave the way for new shops, restaurants and leisure facilities start.

The work will start on High Street West - located between The Ring and Market Street (by The Red Lion pub) - which will be closed off so changes can be made to it to enable traffic on that road to be reversed. The change in traffic flow is needed so that vehicles can still exit the town centre when the top part of The Ring, between High Street West and Easthampstead House, is closed later this spring. The closed part of The Ring will form part of the new town centre.

Cllr Marc Brunel-Walker, executive member for economic development and regeneration, said: “These roadworks will kick-start the next step of the town centre regeneration, boosting the local economy, creating new jobs and making the town a vibrant place to live and work." The work on High Street West will be followed by work on Weather Way, which will prepare The Ring by Easthampstead House, so that cars can still access the council building. This work is due to start in approximately two weeks.

The preparatory work will allow for The Ring to be closed in approximately two months time so that service mains, including water and electricity mains, can be diverted ahead of any construction work. It will also allow for Broadway Bridge to be demolished.

Businesses in High Street West will be open as usual throughout the work as will Bracknell Forest Council’s Easthampstead House and Time Square offices and Bracknell Library. Waitrose will continue to be accessible via Bond Way, which will become a cul-de-sac.

Cllr Chris Turrell, executive member for planning and transport, said: "We've been working hard on preparatory work for the changes to the town centre's roads for some months and now we are ready to start making physical changes. The initial work is due to start this week and last for about two months. Businesses will be open as usual, pedestrian routes will be maintained and we will work to keep inconvenience to a minimum."