A site in the heart of Bray, Co Wicklow, has reached the planning application stage.

The Florentine Centre site has moved a stage closer to seeing development take place with designs beginning for a €24m 13,000 square metres retail and cinema scheme.

The site has a long history and has been the subject of three previous planning applications by Ballymore Properties. After a number of false starts, the site reverted to use as a car park five years ago.

Members of Bray Municipal District have now given their support to proceed to design and planning stage of the development which it is envisaged will consist of:

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• Two anchor stores of 3,000 and 900 square metres each

• Four retail units of 700 square metres each

• Four 500 square metres restaurants

• A six screen multiplex cinema

• Undercroft parking

Bray Town Council acquired the site from the Receiver two years ago. Savills were subsequently appointed as the retail property advisors, and architects were engaged to draw up feasibility sketches to be used for costing and marketing purposes. The proposed layout and format was developed based on feedback from the market and possible tenants.

It is envisaged that the development will be built around a new pedestrianised street which will open up from the Main Street and end in a public space. The final design configuration will be determined by the retail mix and the requirements of the occupiers.

It is hoped to have a planning documentation and an Environmental Impact Statement lodged with An Bord Pleanála by summer 2016 with a decision on the application by the end of the year.