Bracknell Commercial Property Report
A Guide to the Thames Valley’s Premier Tech Hub on Comparetheoffices.com
Why Bracknell? A Centre of Technology and Transformation
Bracknell is a cornerstone of the UK’s ‘Silicon Valley’ in the Thames Valley, firmly established as a major hub for the technology, engineering, and automotive sectors. The town is home to the UK headquarters of major global brands such as Dell, HP, and Honda, alongside a rich ecosystem of innovative tech companies. Its strategic location on the M4 and M3 corridors provides outstanding connectivity to London, Heathrow Airport, and the rest of the country.
The recent £240 million regeneration of its town centre, The Lexicon, has completely transformed Bracknell, creating a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and leisure. This investment, combined with a highly skilled workforce and a portfolio of high-quality business parks, makes Bracknell a compelling and forward-thinking location for businesses to thrive.
The Bracknell Office Market: A Snapshot
Bracknell’s office market is one of the most significant in the Thames Valley, characterised by strong demand from its dominant technology sector. In 2024, the market saw continued healthy take-up, driven by corporate relocations and the expansion of existing tech firms. There is a clear “flight to quality,” with occupiers increasingly seeking Grade A office space that offers high sustainability credentials (BREEAM/EPC ratings), excellent on-site amenities, and a collaborative environment to help attract and retain top talent.
Prime headline rents for best-in-class office space stand at approximately £38 per sq ft, reflecting the quality of stock available in its premier business parks. With ongoing investment in town centre regeneration and a focus on providing high-tech, modern workspaces, Bracknell is well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the technology industry.
Your Workspace Choice: Deciding Between Flexible and Leased
Choosing the right office model is a critical decision. A flexible serviced office offers an agile, all-inclusive solution ideal for tech start-ups, project teams, and companies seeking to enter the market quickly. A traditional lease provides a long-term, stable headquarters with full control over branding and security, making it suitable for established corporate occupiers.
| Factor | Serviced Office | Traditional Leased Office |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Short-term contracts, often on a monthly basis, allowing for rapid scaling and adaptation to business needs. | A long-term, fixed lease, typically for a minimum of 5 years, offering stability but less agility. |
| Financials | A single, predictable monthly payment covering rent, rates, utilities, internet, and shared facilities. | A base rent per sq ft, plus separate and variable costs for business rates, service charges, and utilities. |
| Speed to Occupy | Extremely fast. A company can move into a fully furnished and operational office almost immediately. | A longer process involving property searches, legal negotiations, and office fit-out, which can take several months. |
| Environment | Provides access to a built-in community of other businesses, fostering networking and collaboration. | A private, self-contained space that is exclusively for the tenant and their employees. |
Featured Office Providers in Bracknell
Bracknell’s commercial property market offers a superb range of high-quality, well-located workspaces, from modern town-centre hubs to prestigious business parks.
Willoughby Road
This modern business centre is located in one of Bracknell’s key commercial zones, offering excellent access to the M3 and M4 motorways. It provides high-quality, flexible office space in a professional and accessible setting.
- Strategic location in a key business area
- Excellent access to major motorways
- Modern, refurbished office suites
- Ample on-site parking for staff and visitors
The Ring
Situated in the heart of Bracknell’s regenerated town centre, this location offers unparalleled access to the shops, restaurants, and amenities of The Lexicon. It is the perfect choice for businesses seeking a vibrant, central location.
- Prime town centre location
- Adjacent to The Lexicon retail & leisure
- Superb public transport links
- Modern workspace in a dynamic setting
Arlington Square
Arlington Square is one of the Thames Valley’s most prestigious business parks. It offers a stunning campus environment with beautiful landscaping, an on-site cafe, and a strong sense of community, attracting a host of blue-chip corporate occupiers.
- Prestigious business park address
- Beautifully landscaped campus environment
- High-specification Grade A office space
- Excellent on-site amenities and networking
Spotlight on Key Business Districts
Town Centre & The Lexicon
The £240 million regeneration of Bracknell town centre has created The Lexicon, a vibrant 1 million sq ft retail and leisure destination. This has revitalised the heart of the town, attracting major brands and creating a superb amenity for office workers. The surrounding area offers a range of modern office buildings with excellent access to both the new amenities and Bracknell’s mainline railway station.
Western Business Parks (inc. Arlington Square)
To the west of the town centre lies a major cluster of high-quality business parks, including the prestigious Arlington Square. This area is the heart of Bracknell’s tech economy, home to numerous multinational technology companies. These parks are characterised by their campus-style environments, high-specification buildings, and excellent access to the M4 motorway.
Southern Business Parks
The southern corridor, running along the A329(M), is another key commercial hub. This area provides superb connectivity to the M3 motorway and is home to a mix of corporate HQs, technology firms, and professional services businesses. The parks in this area offer a range of modern office buildings in a well-established business location.
The Future of Bracknell: A Story of Investment
Bracknell’s transformation is a long-term strategy, with ongoing investment designed to secure its future as a leading business destination.
The Lexicon & Town Centre Masterplan
Following the huge success of The Lexicon, the council is moving forward with the next phases of its town centre regeneration. This includes plans for new residential developments, further improvements to the public realm, and the potential for new office and leisure space. The goal is to create a thriving, mixed-use town centre that operates around the clock, further enhancing its appeal to businesses and residents.
Bracknell Forest Local Plan
The council’s new Local Plan outlines the vision for growth across the borough up to 2037. It allocates land for thousands of new homes and new employment space, ensuring that Bracknell can accommodate future economic growth. The plan focuses on creating sustainable communities with the necessary infrastructure, such as schools, transport links, and green spaces, to support an expanding population and workforce.
Conclusion: A Premier Hub for Technology and Talent
Bracknell’s commercial property market is a powerful reflection of its status as a leading UK technology hub. The town’s strategic location, highly skilled workforce, and portfolio of high-quality business parks make it a magnet for global brands. The hugely successful regeneration of its town centre has added a new dimension to its appeal, creating a vibrant environment that helps businesses attract and retain the very best talent. For companies in the technology sector and beyond, Bracknell offers a resilient, well-connected, and forward-thinking home.
Key Takeaways for Businesses:
- A UK Technology Hub: A proven location for major global technology companies and a thriving SME ecosystem.
- Superb Connectivity: Strategically located on the M3/M4 corridors with excellent links to London and Heathrow.
- Transformed Town Centre: The Lexicon regeneration has created a first-class retail and leisure environment.
- High-Quality Workspace: A choice of premier business parks and modern town-centre offices provides excellent property options.
