Dell HQ in Bracknell could be replaced by warehouses
The US computer giant moved out in 2022
Plans to demolish the former Dell headquarters in Bracknell and build warehouses in its place have been revealed.
The American computer giant left its offices in Amen Corner Business Parkin 2022.
Plans have now been put to Bracknell Forest Council by BC Bracknell Ltd to redevelop the vacant space into three new warehouses.
It wants to use the space from the building after demolition as well as a large amount of its existing car park, with the loss of 444 spaces.
Situated in Bracknell’s Western Employment Area, the building is surrounded by the Edge Core Data Centre, Technology House, and is close by to the Waterloo to Reading railway line and A329.
BC Bracknell Ltd would like to build three employment units made up of a total 12,802 square metres of floorspace. These units could be used for general industrial, storage or distribution or commercial purposes. This could range from retail, restaurants, offices or indoor sports.
The warehouses would range in size, with the largest at 8,861 square metres, one at 4,388 square metres and the smallest at 1,554 square metres.
A total of 27 lorry parking spaces would be provided, which is three below the number required by Bracknell Forest Council.
The Cain Road roundabout, which is the current access to the site, is proposed to stay – although changes would need to be made to the internal roads, applicants say.
The application argues given the existing commercial character of the area, it would be a suitable location for more warehouses.
Plans also argue the number of lorries or other vehicles wouldn’t have an adverse impact on the surrounding highways.
This is because it would result in less cars on the road at peak times compared to when it was used for Dell’s offices.
Various sustainable features are being proposed, including solar panels, energy-efficient lighting and electrical vehicle charging points.
But plans for parking fall slightly short of council requirements – with 322 provided. There should be 36 more according to council rules.
But the applicant says this doesn’t matter because many people won’t be arriving by car, and instead could use public transport or arrive via foot. Safety improvements will be made to the entrance of the site to encourage more sustainable forms of transport.
The application says the new usage of the space could provide up to 380 jobs, £31 million for the local economy and up to £840,000 generated in business rates per year.
Dell sold its headquarters to Blue Coast Capital and Jansons Property in 2022. The company relocated to Great Western Road in Brentford.
Plans have been validated by Bracknell Forest Council’s planning department and a decision is yet to be made.