Bracknell - The Town Centre

Charles Square

Introduction

Here through some of my photographs is a personal view of my local shopping centre of Bracknell, Berkshire, U.K.

It is a town where planners have provided wide thoroughfares and the space for areas in which to pause and relax. The key to the appearance of the town centre is investment in the maintenance of tree-lined shopping parades and floral displays which are so essential to balance the austerity of concrete.

A secluded arbour setting for a simple Post box

Also on this page are links to other sites that describe the history and present day facilities of the town.

About Bracknell

Bracknell is a town in Berkshire which lies 35 miles west of London and 12 miles east of Reading. Its administrative boundaries encompass a number of villages of which Bracknell is the centre.

The Meteorological Office - source of British weather!

Bracknell was designated a "New Town" and saw major development and expansion in the 1950's and 60's when some large employers relocated here and a modern infrastructure was put in place. The availablilty of new housing was particularly attractive to families who relocated with their employers from older areas of London during the early post-war years. Excellent road and rail links now make it equally valued as the home for commuters to London as it is for local workers.

The Bull Public House in the Old High Street

Bracknell town centre has become a modern shopping precinct for pedestrians but some buildings from the original village have been preserved which help recall the line of the old High Street. The town centre is an island surrounded by a ring road which principally gives access to delivery loading bays. Beyond the ring road are dual carriageway by-passes for routes around the town.

Entertainment at The Point

Signs of the Times at The Point, Peel Centre

A traditional weekend market survives and thrives under cover of the 3M building. Close by is the Peel Centre which offers a 10 screen cinema, bowling, night club, pizza food and a complex of superstores and supermarket. More leisure amenities including a sports centre lie further to the south.

Visitors to Bracknell can find their bearings by parking in the Peel Centre car park for its shops and easy pedestrian access to all parts of the town centre. Up to two hours parking is currently free. The Peel Centre is off a mini-roundabout on the A329 just after the 3M (now Imation) building at the western end of the town bypass.

If you would like further information you can contact

john.shute@virgin.net

If you are interested in the history of Bracknell there is a very well researched site at David Ford's Web Page

An extensive listing of the amenities of Bracknell can be found at Bracknell Entertainment Services

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