Case Study: The Grand Exchange, Bracknell

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The Grand Exchange is SevenCapital’s groundbreaking residential development located in the heart of Bracknell. Consisting of 242 spacious studios, one- and two- bedroom apartments, the development is the first of its kind in Bracknell, offering residents more than just a well-built living space. It brings residential amenities that cater to the needs of working professionals and is one of our largest and most exciting property developments to date.

The Grand Exchange is built specifically with homebuyer trends in mind, offering residents a wealth of additional amenities perfect for catering to the rise in hybrid workers and those looking to benefit from greater convenience and a greater sense of community.

The Exchange Lab, a collaborative co-working space, provides an ideal hub for hybrid workers and facilitates networking whilst the Lexicon Club – a private room for hosting anything from business meetings to dinner parties – brings the office environment to the residents’ doorstep. This is accompanied by exclusive access to a resident-only gym, a tranquil garden room, and bookable dining and treatment rooms – something rarely found in modern residential developments.

This development is primely positioned just a five-minute walk from Bracknell train station as well as the array of shopping and leisure facilities in The Lexicon shopping centre which means everything you need is within easy reach.

A Ground-Breaking Residential Development

Despite a difficult property market and economic pressure, The Grand Exchange was already more than 75% sold prior to completion due to the added value provided to residents in terms of additional amenities, location and convenience.

Quinnie Wilson, area sales manager at SevenCapital said:

“We’re thrilled to see The Grand Exchange fully realised. The development is exceptional in Bracknell in terms of both its location as well as its offering to residents. This high quality, exciting development is full of amenities so offers unrivalled convenience to residents, which is why it’s already proven popular among buyers.”

The first resident to move in, John Brankovic, is a first-time buyer who was looking to begin investing in his future by buying his first property. He says:

“Initially, the residential amenities are what drew me in for a viewing. There are a few new developments around the area that I considered, but The Grand Exchange was the only one to offer additional amenities which I thought added to the value of such a big investment. The added convenience for me is pretty priceless.”

“Since moving in, the location has been a big plus for me as I am close to the main train station and it’s just a 5-minute walk to the Lexicon. Everything I need is pretty much on my doorstep.”

Bracknell’s Flourishing Community

Originally a large market town in the leafy county of Berkshire, Bracknell has grown to become a thriving town with a strong community and one of the best areas to live within the London Commuter Belt. Having undergone one of the most ambitious regeneration schemes in the South East, Bracknell’s population has increased by 10.1% between 2011 and 2021 – faster than both the South East (7.5%) and England as a whole (6.6%), highlighting Bracknell’s welcoming charm and appeal.

In fact, since The Lexicon Shopping Centre opened in 2017, Bracknell experienced a 3.99% increase up to 2021, higher than the 2.35% increase experienced in the wider South East, highlighting how regeneration has further reinforced the town’s allure.

The Grand Exchange is strategically situated just outside the Lexicon and just a few minutes’ walk from Bracknell train station, giving easy access to an abundance of amenities, the surrounding areas as well as quicker commuters to the Capital.

John says:

“My favourite thing about living in Bracknell is probably the shopping experience such as The Lexicon – everything you need is catered for so there’s little need to travel any further afield.

Access to London via Bracknell Train Station and the major motorways is also a plus for the odd occasion I have to travel into the London office for work or when I want a day out in the city.

There’s also quite a bit of green space and some parks nearby I can walk my dog in which is handy. Mill Park isn’t far and has a fair bit to do – a lovely lake and a café, a play area, skate park, lots of wildlife too! Perfect for a scenic wander or even a day out. You’ve also got Windsor, Ascot and Virginia Water close by too.”

Bracknell has so much more to offer residents – from great employment opportunities to a variety of drinking and dining experiences. Find out more about living in Bracknell in our area guide or discover why property in Bracknell is in such high demand, here.

Facilitating Sustainable Living

As part of SevenCapital’s ongoing commitment to more environmentally friendly and sustainable homes, The Grand Exchange benefits from both solar panels and a heat pump system and represents a modern approach to reducing carbon emissions and prioritising long-term energy efficiency. This contributes to a greener and more eco-friendly community and helps residents minimise their environmental impact.

In this forward-thinking residential development, the integration of heat pumps and solar panels allows residents to live a greener lifestyle through the use of renewable sources of energy, which has become increasingly important within the homebuyer market. In fact, a recent Savills survey revealed that heat pumps were a priority amongst downsizers and first-time buyers, second only to quality insulation, as people look to save on energy costs and choose more sustainable options.

As the adoption of renewable energy becomes a key consideration for homebuyers and increasingly imperative in combating climate change, the incorporation of heat pumps and solar panels sets a precedent for sustainable living and serves as a model for future residential developments.

 

Development Updates  

SevenCapital acquired the site of Bracknell’s old bus depot in July 2019 with the demolition of all above-ground structures commencing in October 2019 completing by December 2019. This was in preparation for the excavation of the existing foundations, concrete and redundant below-ground structures which promptly began in early 2020.

This was closely followed by the commencement of the underground drainage works which began at the end of March the same year. The construction team’s long-term activities focussed on the completion of the in-situ concrete frame, which continued until Q1 2022.

Despite immense challenges the team faced due to the pandemic, all piling operations and foundations were completed 2 weeks ahead of schedule which allowed a great head start for the rest of the build.

The frame structure for the entire development commenced on 12th April 2021 completing within a year with ground beams and drainage works finished just one month later.
With the in-situ concrete frame completed by April 2022, there was a complete skeleton of columns, beams and floors which meant that the window installation could start on the 2nd and 3rd floor levels. Cement boards and insulation quickly followed as construction progress remained ahead of schedule.

Challenges posed by the pandemic and a prolonged period of heavy rain impacted the build towards the end of 2022, particularly to the external insulated render. However, finishing touches were made at the end 2023, with the first residents moving in before the new year.

Find your Perfect Home with SevenCapital

Here at SevenCapital, we pride ourselves on our award-winning customer service. Our dedicated property specialists are on hand to guide you through every step of your property purchase journey, from enquiry to handover and beyond.

John states:

“SevenCapital was a breeze to deal with. Seamless and effortless. Consistency with keeping me updated through the entire process. Anything I asked or needed was dealt with in a timely manner and definitely with a smile. Which is exactly what I needed when making such a big commitment. The sales consultants gave me all the information I needed and just made the process of buying a lot smoother than I anticipated it to be.”

Our commitment to providing great customer service doesn’t stop there. Once your handover is complete, we will introduce you to the customer-built SevenCapital Information Hub, where you can find an extensive range of information about your property, the surrounding areas and ultimately utilise our online portal to report any issues covered under warranty.

If you’re interested in learning more about The Grand Exchange, its amenities and would like to book a viewing of our show apartment, please fill out the form below.

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The Grand Exchange has recently been completed, with our first residents moving in.

Completely unique to the local market, The Grand Exchange is designed with the modern resident in mind, filled with exclusive amenities including a gym, co-working space and residents’ lounge.

  • Newly completed.
  • Show apartment available for viewings
  • Limited, high quality one and two bedroom apartments remaining
  • Brand new development in the London commuter belt
  • Exclusive resident-only facilities brand new to Bracknell
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