Shoppers across Berkshire have come forward to praise Bracknell’s multi-million-pound shopping complex for ‘transforming the lives of many who live and work in the town’.

The Lexicon shopping centre opened in 2017 in the town centre making up the first stage of the town’s regeneration project.

Despite difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in town centre rates, the shopping complex has offered thousands of job opportunities for residents in and around Bracknell.

Resident, David White expressed his positive outlook on the town centre amid the news of further shop closures.

He said: “There are so many positives about the Lexicon. It has transformed the lives of many who work and live in Bracknell. Of course, shops open and close. It is happening all over the UK.

“More shops will close unless people buy things in the shops and support them. No customers, shops close. Simples.”

The town centre has seen a variety of both shop closures and shop openings over the last few years as the country recovers from the pandemic and economic downturn.

One reader praised The Lexicon despite the number of empty units both inside Princess Square, and throughout the outdoor space.

Mike Taylor said: “These stores are downsizing all over the country due to the market situation the Lexicon is far better than Slough and Maidenhead.”

The Lexicon works in collaboration with Bracknell Forest Council which alongside other businesses hold events for families visiting the town centre.

Alongside Wokingham’s Regeneration, the developments have improved the state and cleanliness of the town and have attracted many people from other areas to Bracknell.

Suzan Shamoon said: “I find it always busy. It's a lovely shopping centre compared to many other dated and dirty centres I've visited, it's very well looked after and very clean.”

The closure and demolition of Bracknell’s old town centre often leave older residents nostalgic. Martin Su however has said that he thinks that ‘the town is waaaay better than in the 70s and 80s.’

Every town however will have its naysayers and Bracknell is certainly no exception.

Negative reviews can be heard by disgruntled residents from near and far despite continuous improvements.

Simon Freeman commented: “It may still be shiny, and people may feel some inexplicable pride in it because they happen to live here, but it was conceived in a different era, before it was obvious that building high rent units would be dumb.

“The big retailers are moving away from physical shops and small businesses/start-ups can't afford them.”

Another resident added: “If the builders of the town centre had an ounce of brains it would be under cover who the hell wants to get soaked going from one shop to another I hate shopping there in the winter.”

Rob Morris, general manager at The Lexicon says:  “If you ask the people of Bracknell if The Lexicon opening in 2017 has improved the town centre, I am confident that you will receive a very positive response.  

"Not only is it a safe and pleasant place to shop but the many events we hold during the year are extremely well-received by the local community, and has resulted in strong and consistent footfall.  For example our recent Christmas activity saw 20,000 people book for The Glow Room and The Light Pool.   

“We believe that The Lexicon offers a vibrant and diverse mix of retail stores, cafés, restaurants and leisure services and we are set to welcome further new arrivals in the coming months to complement our existing offer.”