Bracknell’s Lexicon development is in the spotlight as the focus of the new research from Henley Business School.

Henley’s Real Estate and Planning department have produced a report detailing how the regeneration was planned and subsequently carried out. Named ‘The Lexicon – Making it Happen’, the report aims to show researchers what was done well and what lessons can be learnt from the development.

Victor Nicholls, co-author of the report, said: “This piece of research was a fitting conclusion to a period of over 17 years where the regeneration of Bracknell town centre was my primary focus.

Putting this report together gave me the opportunity to stand back from a project in which I was closely involved, review the approach and celebrate its success. It is particularly appropriate that the research should be published on the 70th anniversary of the New Town.

“It is a reminder that developing a community never stops, something that I’m sure the original development corporation would have agreed with.”

Dr Emma Street, co-author of the report, said: “What we want from our town centres is changing. Rapidly evolving consumer trends, new technologies and the rise of the so-called ‘experience economy’ are just some of the drivers of this change.

“Post-war New Towns such as Bracknell face particular pressures in meeting the needs of today’s businesses, visitors and residents.

“Designed and built to cater to the standards and tastes of the 1940s, 50s and 60s, many New Towns are in urgent need of regeneration. Our research highlights the challenges that were involved in regenerating Bracknell town centre, as well as some of the lessons that can be drawn from how The Lexicon happened.”

The report is being published to coincide with Bracknell’s 70th anniversary this month.