The proposed development. Source: Savills

IT’S TAKEN 20 years, but a big site in the centre of Bray is finally getting redeveloped.

The Florentine Centre, a 2.4-acre derelict site on the town’s main street, has been earmarked for successive retail developments since 1996, and was recently bought by Wicklow County Council.

The council has tasked estate agents Savills to seek a development partner for the 250,000 square foot retail scheme, which has a value of between €30 million and €35 million.

A decision from An Bord Pleanála is expected before the end of 2016 on the council’s application for a scaled-down retail development, involving anchor stores, retail units, restaurants, offices, a cinema and parking.

Independent Bray councillor Christopher Fox told TheJournal.ie that it was a “positive move”.

“I think it was good business on behalf of the council, because Main St in Bray has been struggling for a while now,” he said.

Bray seems to struggle due to the close proximity of very large shopping centres in Dundrum and Carrickmines. It’s a vicious circle, branded shops have pulled out of the town leading to decreased footfall.

“We’d have to give credit to the council officials, especially Des O’Brien, the town manager , seems to have really grabbed it by the scruff of the neck and progress it.”

Developers intended to build on it before the recession, and demolished several houses to that end.

The updated development envisages a new urban street – accessed from Bray Main Street – with a central plaza connected to Quinsborough Road.

If approved, the council hope that work will finish on the site by the end of 2018. At present, the site is an unsightly vacant lot on the east side of the town’s main street, leading on to a large derelict area used as a carpark.

Savills spokesman Larry Brennan said: “The development of the Florentine Centre will transform the retail and evening economy of Bray, where the main street in particular has been poorly provided for due to a lack of restaurants, larger retail units and leisure offerings.”