Princess Square to get new shops and restaurant in Bracknell

With spring approaching, bosses at The Lexicon have installed a ‘handprint tree’ which will grow with handprint designs from the community over the next ten weeks.

The aim of the tree is to remind residents that despite the difficult past year we have all had, there are brighter days around the corner as England emerges from the pandemic.

Image Description: Handprint Tree in Princess Square, Bracknell Client: The Lexicon Bracknell Date Taken: 23rd February 2021 Picture credit: Stuart Bailey Web: www.StuartBaileyPhoto.com Email: contact@stuartbaileyphoto.com

The new project marks the latest step in exciting plans for Princess Square’s short and long-term future, with a number of updates given about the recently-refurbished shopping centre recently.

READ MORE: Princess Square refurbishment complete

The handprint tree

The handprints for the tree can be filled with anything -- a smiley face, a hello, pretty nail art, bright colours, a message and more.

Sue Boor, head of marketing at The Lexicon says: “We are so excited to bring our tree to life, filled with meaningful messages, bright colours and all of those things that just make us smile.

Image Description: Handprint Tree in Princess Square, Bracknell Client: The Lexicon Bracknell Date Taken: 23rd February 2021 Picture credit: Stuart Bailey Web: www.StuartBaileyPhoto.com Email: contact@stuartbaileyphoto.com

“We’re hoping to add 100 handprints to the tree each week for ten weeks to bring an extra helping of light to The Lexicon, and bring us all together.

“As soon as it’s safe to do so, we look forward to everyone visiting The Lexicon Handprint Tree to find their design, and of course bring some smiles to the faces of our customers.”

Sainsbury’s replacement

Sainsbury's in Princess Square closed its doors February 26 2020

Last month it was announced Sports Direct would be replacing the former Sainsbury’s store in Princess Square, which closed down in February 2020.

READ MORE: Residents react to news of Sainsbury's replacement in Princess Square

Joining Sports Direct will be GAME, Evans Cycles and USC, a clothing retailer.

PICTURED: Sports Direct logo - PA

It is expected the new stores will open in November 2021.

A new food offering

Wimpy is preparing to open in Princess Square, too.

The burger chain has had planning permission for a unit in the shopping centre approved as well as permission for its restaurant designs granted.

Princess Square will be the home of Bracknell's new Wimpy

READ MORE: Update on how Wimpy store for Princess Square is progressing

The News asked Wimpy when the restaurant would be opening and a spokesperson replied: “I can confirm we are in talks with the landlord and the franchisee with regard to potential opening dates.

“It is likely that this will be in the second half of the year, however at this point I am unable to commit to a firm timetable.”

A gymnastics space for kids

Originally planned to open in Princess Square in June 2020, the arrival of the new gymnastics and ninja space for kids has been pushed back due to the impact of the pandemic.

Gymfinity is set to move into Princess Square

READ MORE: Gymfinity Kids confirms Bracknell site will still open

However, Gymfinity Kids is still coming to Bracknell, as confirmed by a spokesperson last week.

With planning permission granted to convert the former Riley’s snooker hall into a new children’s fun-space still standing, the spokesperson said they are ‘very muhc looking forward’ to opening the Bracknell club in the future.

Gymfinity is set to move into Princess Square

They added: “Like many businesses, due to Covid-19 our top priority has been the health and safety of our members in our current clubs across the UK.

“For the moment we don’t have a confirmed date, we will only be able to make this decision once we reopen the business.”