Contract signed for the Florentine

TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENT A STEP CLOSER

THE Florentine Centre contract was signed on Monday by Wicklow County Council and developers Oakmount.

The contract will see the development of a new town centre on the Florentine site located off Bray’s Main Street.

The development will include two large retail anchors, eight medium-sized retail stores, several restaurants, a modern cinema and parking.

‘I have no doubt that Oakmount and their extensive retail, hospitality and entertainment experience is an excellent fit for Bray and will breathe new life into the town,’ said Cllr Christopher Fox, Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District. ‘I want to congratulate all involved and wish this project every success.’ It is hoped to have the centre open prior to Christmas 2019. The saga involving the town centre site has been ongoing since before Balllymore’s first planning application of 1997. Since that time, the project has been beset with planning issues, legal threats and financial barriers to completion. With permission eventually granted, the scheme collapsed due to the financial crisis and Florentine Properties Ltd went into liquidation. Bray Town Council purchased the site and ultimately submitted the current successful application and the €25 million works went out to tender.