Situated just outside the capital and boasting the country’s highest concentration of tech companies, the Thames Valley is often labelled the Silicon Valley of the UK.
Centred around Reading, the tech hub of the UK stretches across Berkshire and recently the town of Bracknell has been flagged up as a hotspot in the tech corridor and a cornerstone of the expanding Silicon Valley. Its excellent transport links, including fast road and rail access into London and easy access to Heathrow airport, have elevated its desirability.
Technical community resident in Bracknell
The Berkshire town is home to leading global technology firms including Hewlett Packard, Dell and Honda. Substantial commercial investment has provided a solid platform for the town’s market growth with tech companies accountable for almost 40% of office space.
Over the last 10 years, the regional town has seen property prices more than double with a rise of 55% and Bracknell, alongside Reading, has emerged as a prime investment hotspot.
The most recent commitment to a 20-year regeneration project worth £770 million is a trigger for Bracknell to become a prime investment force, attracting renters and buyers who can no longer afford London prices.
Record population growth predicted by 2036
Bracknell’s population growth has been fuelled by growing employment opportunities for professionals. Bracknell’s current population of 120,000 is predicted to increase 15 per cent by 2036 ranking as one of the country’s highest growth spots.
The regeneration project will deliver new leisure facilities and amenities. There are plans to build new residential and commercial developments in anticipation of a surge in rental demand and buy-to-let investors.
Part of the town’s £770m regeneration project, The Lexicon is at the heart of the scheme; a £240 million development featuring high-end brands such as Fenwick, Waitrose and L’Occitane turning Bracknell’s centre into an exciting retail and leisure destination.
Affordable property
Since 1999, Bracknell has experienced exceptional growth with prices rising by 249%. In the last 12 months, certain areas within the town have recorded property rises of 18%. Compared to London’s average house price of £729,105, Bracknell represents good value at an average of £367,458 and is considerably more affordable than nearby commuter town Guildford (£534,993). Reading boasts very similar prices at £360,728, making it another ideal alternative to the high price tags in the capital and surrounding areas.
Attractive to renters and investors
Smart investors can identify that Bracknell has clear investment potential boosted by new developments such as The Grand Exchange. Bracknell is demonstrating the high-level of productivity that is vital for both investors and tenants.
A landmark residential development by SevenCapital, The Grand Exchange will feature ultra-modern, loft-style apartments alongside exclusive resident facilities. The design will be aimed specifically at the modern day renter, to capitalise on the demand for quality residential accommodation from tenants.
Andy Foote, director at SevenCapital, said: “This development is going to change the way people live in Bracknell.
“We’ve seen the trend for city centre living already surge in popularity across areas such as Birmingham and Manchester. This has now started to filter into towns across the country, as more and more people realise the convenience it offers, notably easy access to transport, work and amenities.”
“The Grand Exchange has been designed to meet this demand and we’re proud that this development will make a significant contribution to the fantastic transformation that Bracknell is currently enjoying.”
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