Planning Approval Granted for €30m Retail Scheme in Bray, Co. Wicklow

An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for the development of a 250,000 square foot retail scheme in the heart of Bray, Co. Wicklow. Property consultants, Savills, has been appointed by Wicklow County Council to seek a development partner to progress the project.

The high profile 2.4 acre main street site, previously known as the ‘Florentine Centre’, has been the subject of a number of retail-led development proposals since 1996. Wicklow County Council – who recently purchased the site – sought the approval of An Bord Pleanála for a scaled-down retail development providing opportunities for anchor stores, retail units, restaurants, offices, cinema and associated car parking.

The plans also incorporate the development of a new urban street – accessed from Bray Main Street – and a central plaza with pedestrian access from Quinsborough Road.

The gross development value (GDV) of the scheme is estimated at approximately €30m and Savills aim to have a development partner and contractor in place by March 2017, with a view to a scheme completion by Q4 2018.

Bray, with a population exceeding 30,000, is the main commercial town serving the North Wicklow market and is well served by both the national road network, via the M11 and M50, and public transport via DART, national rail services and Dublin Bus routes. The town also has a strong tourist and heritage base, being the gateway to the Wicklow Mountains and South East.