Bracknell, located in the county of Berkshire, has a fascinating history and transformation. Originally a small village, it became one of the first post-war New …
Bracknell, Berkshire – A Modern Business Hub Surrounded by Green Spaces
Bracknell is a modern town in Berkshire, known for its technology sector, recent redevelopment, and excellent transport links. It has transformed from a post-war New Town into one of the UK’s leading business and tech hubs, while still being surrounded by beautiful forests and countryside.
Key Facts About Bracknell:
Location:
South East England, in Berkshire.
34 miles west of London.
Nearby towns: Reading (11 miles), Wokingham (5 miles), and Windsor (10 miles).
Population: ~120,000.
Local Government: Bracknell Forest Borough.
Historic County: Berkshire.
History & Development:
Origins:
A small market village for centuries, mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086).
Post-War Expansion:
Designated a New Town in 1949, built to relieve housing pressure from London.
Purposefully designed with modern housing estates, business parks, and green spaces.
Recent Redevelopment (2010s-Present):
£770 million town centre regeneration project, making it one of the most modern towns in the UK.
New shopping, entertainment, and business facilities.
What is Bracknell Known For?
🏢 Business & Economy – The “Silicon Valley of the UK”
Bracknell is a major tech and business hub, with global companies having their UK or European headquarters here, including:
Fujitsu
Dell
HP Enterprise
Siemens
Waitrose & Partners (Head Office)
The Southern Business Park & Western Industrial Area are home to numerous tech, IT, and engineering firms, making Bracknell one of Berkshire’s economic powerhouses.
🛍️ The Lexicon – A Modern Shopping & Leisure Destination
Opened in 2017 as part of Bracknell’s massive redevelopment.
Over 100 shops, including Fenwick, M&S, and H&M.
Restaurants & cafes, plus a cinema and entertainment facilities.
🌳 Green Spaces & Outdoor Activities
Despite being a business-focused town, Bracknell is surrounded by forests and parks, making it one of the greenest urban areas in the UK.
Swinley Forest – A large woodland perfect for cycling, walking, and adventure sports.
Coral Reef Waterworld – One of the UK’s biggest indoor water parks.
The Look Out Discovery Centre – A science and nature attraction for families.
Lily Hill Park – A beautiful historic park with walking trails.
Transport & Connectivity
🚆 Rail:
Bracknell Station has direct trains to London Waterloo (about 1 hour).
Other rail links to Reading, Wokingham, and Ascot.
🚗 Road:
Located on the A329(M) and M3/M4 motorways, providing quick access to:
London (via the M4)
Reading (via the A329(M))
Heathrow Airport (about 30 minutes by car)
🛫 Airports:
Heathrow Airport (17 miles away)
Gatwick Airport (40 miles away)
Culture & Lifestyle
Bracknell Bees Ice Hockey – The town has its own ice hockey team.
Bracknell Town FC – Local football club.
South Hill Park Arts Centre – A cultural venue with theatre, music, and art exhibitions.
Nightlife & Dining – The Lexicon and surrounding areas have a growing bar and restaurant scene, but Reading and London offer more nightlife options.
Living in Bracknell – Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
Booming economy with lots of tech jobs.
Modern town centre with new shops and facilities.
Affordable housing compared to London and Reading.
Surrounded by green spaces & forests.
Excellent transport links to London, Reading, and Heathrow.
❌ Cons:
Lacks historic charm compared to places like Windsor or Reading.
Nightlife is limited – people often travel to Reading or London for more entertainment.
House prices are rising fast due to new developments and strong demand.
Final Thoughts
Bracknell is a modern, well-connected town with a strong economy and excellent amenities. It’s an ideal place for tech professionals, families, and commuters who want a balance of urban convenience and green spaces.
Bracknell
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