The Bracknell Forest Cambium Partnership between Countryside Partnerships (part of the Vistry Group), the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, and Bracknell Forest Council, has celebrated reaching the highest point of its 169-home Market Street regeneration scheme in Bracknell town centre.
To commemorate this milestone, a topping out ceremony was held by Countryside Partnerships, Bracknell Forest Council, and Abri, who will be managing the affordable housing at Market Street. The event took place on top of Block A, standing at 17 storeys, with all three buildings that are part of the Market Street development having now reached roof level.
The development at Market Street will provide 81 affordable homes, which are split between affordable rent and shared ownership, comprising 48% of the 169 total mixed-tenure homes. Funding for the affordable housing will be provided by Abri, alongside grant funding from its Strategic Partnership with Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency. Following the start of construction last year, the homes are expected to be completed and handed over in late 2026.
Located on the site of the former derelict bus depot on Market Street, the new development is bringing high quality, sustainable new homes to the centre of Bracknell, complementing the nearby retail and leisure offering within The Lexicon. The Cambium Partnership will also deliver 848 sq m of commercial space and significant improvements to public realm, including new landscaping, trees and new and improved pedestrian and cycle routes.
Market Street is the second site to be developed by the joint venture between Countryside Partnerships and Bracknell Forest Council, following the 52-home Coopers Hill development which has now been fully constructed. This £131m partnership supports the council’s regeneration aspirations to provide a fully revitalised town centre, with large parts of Bracknell’s town centre already redeveloped, including the opening of The Lexicon in 2017.
Nick Churcher, Managing Director for Vistry West London, said:
“Reaching the highest point of Market Street is a testament to the strength of our partnership with Bracknell Forest Council and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that meet the needs of the local community. This development not only brings much-needed affordable housing to the area but also contributes to the wider regeneration of Bracknell town centre. We look forward to continuing our work with all partners involved as we move towards completion next year.”
Cllr Paul Bidwell, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Bracknell Forest Council, commented:
“We’ve been very clear that providing affordable homes and economic growth are big priorities for Bracknell Forest Council, so it was a real pleasure to see how far the Market Street development has come and be part of its topping out. In terms of heritage, calling the development Brickmark Place is a nice gesture to the area’s past as a renowned former brick-making area. The development, which is on a previously derelict site, has not only reclaimed a brownfield site for much needed affordable and social housing, but will provide an exciting further step forward in Bracknell town centre’s overall regeneration.”
Tom Mason, Regional Assistant Director of Housing at Abri said:
“It’s a proud moment to see these new homes progressing, knowing they’ll have a lasting, positive impact on the community. By working in partnership with Bracknell Forest Cambium Partnership we’re helping to provide more affordable homes in a great location, with easy access to local amenities, helping residents stay connected to work, education and services. On our part, Abri is committed to delivering 10,000 homes by 2030, and partnerships likes this are crucial to achieving that goal.”