Bracknell town centre regeneration under way

Plans include 60 new shops, two department stores and a 12-screen cinema

Work has begun on a major project to transform a town centre square into a shopping street.

The regeneration of Charles Square in Bracknell forms part of a £240m scheme to improve an area with 1960s architecture.

The new street will connect the refurbished front of Princess Square with the front of the new Fenwick department store.

However, the plans mean the town's clock fountain will be demolished.

New artwork

A third of the town is being remodelled as part of the redevelopment scheme, including a 12-screen cinema, department store, supermarket, shops and restaurants.

Councillor Marc Brunel-Walker, from Bracknell Forest Council, said: "Regrettably, the water clock, currently located in Charles Square, cannot be retained in its current location and its very deep structure means it isn't possible to relocate it elsewhere.

"However, we will be installing new artwork so the regenerated town centre embraces the legacy of the old town, but will provide fresh and modern pieces too."

In January a 1960s bronze mural by sculptor William Mitchell was safely removed from a condemned building so it could be reinstalled nearby.

Simon Russian, head of retail development at Legal and General, called the project "vital to provide the comprehensive regeneration of the town centre".

The new Charles Square area will open in Spring 2017.

The council says it is not possible to relocate the clock fountain