More evidence that old Bracknell was far better!
The area where the bandstand used to be had so much room to move around. Now it feels like a busy thoroughfare, with people constantly flowing from both directions, making it hard to navigate without waiting for a break in the crowd. I can’t recall it being this way in the past. That spot is now my least favorite part of town, but I’m not sure what they call it nowadays; it’s the path with the coffee shop on the corner, next to the old Peacocks.
They’ve actually reduced the space in town. I remember when the old Burger King was there, surrounded by beautiful non-linear spaces, water fountains, benches with flower gardens, and even a balcony above. It was just so much more spacious back then. Now it feels so cramped!
I totally understand your nostalgia for the old Bracknell town! It sounds like it used to have such a vibrant and open atmosphere. The changes you’ve described, with the busy foot traffic and the loss of those relaxing spaces, really can make a place feel cramped and less inviting. It’s such a shame when those charming, unique areas are replaced by more commercial spaces that prioritize foot traffic over leisure and community. The memory of those fountains and gardens really highlights how important these communal spaces are for creating a welcoming environment. It will be interesting to see if there’s any effort to reclaim some of that character in the future!