An event hosted by Bray Municipal District to celebrate the completion of Bray Central was held on Friday last (June 2nd).
The development comprising 23,423 square metres has introduced a new urban street access from Main Street into the development creating a central plaza with pedestrian access from Quinsborough Road. The main plaza incorporates an events space, seating, landscaping and kiosks.
When fully open Bray Central will be home to two anchor stores a five-screen cinema and a number of other well-known retail outlets. Open and welcoming customers are Wow Burger, Elephant and Castle and Butlers Chocolate Café.
Much-needed car parking space has also been provided underground comprising 256 spaces, including disabled parking and electric vehicle charging spaces.
Speaking at the event, Cllr Erika Doyle, Cathaoirleach, Bray Municipal District, welcomed the completion saying “We have already seen signs of the potential of this space with the monthly market. The good weather has brought outdoor seating to Butlers Chocolate Café, Wow Burger and Elephant and Castle. Sally’s Ice Cream will be open any day now. We are all excited to see the anchor units progress and the cinema is eagerly awaited by the whole town, young and old alike.
There is something deeply affecting about viewing the town you grew up in and know every inch of, from a different perspective. So often large-scale developments in towns take more than they give. Shopping centres hide communities under a roof, or in the town outskirts, having no interaction with the built environment. What Bray Central has done is created a new area for not just shops but for people. A reimagining of what a retail development can offer. A shopping district instead of a shopping centre. While we hope the current and planned tenants will be here for a long time, we know that over time businesses turn over. But this new part of Bray Main Street, the refurbished Victorian buildings, the new perspective on the main street, will remain.”
The Cathaoirleach paid tribute to all involved in the project since inception to final completion, elected members and staff saying, “Without their commitment and dedication to the project we wouldn’t be standing here today.”
Representatives from Navybrook Ltd (Oakmount) who worked closely with Wicklow County Council’s project team were present at the unveiling of the plaque to mark the occasion and took the opportunity to update those present on new tenants.
Lisa Rocca, CEO of Oakmount, said: “Following the recent opening of the latest tenant to join Bray Central – Butlers Chocolate Café – we can also confirm that landlord works are currently underway for both anchor tenants, Penneys and Sports Direct. Sally’s Hand Rolled Ice Cream have almost completed their fit-out and are expected to open in the coming weeks, just in time for summer.
Furthermore, landlord works have completed in Unit 3 for Holland & Barrett who will be commencing their fit-out shortly and are expected to open in early Autumn. The Stella Cinema fit-out works have commenced, and an opening date will be announced in due course.
“There are numerous exciting new tenants finalising their legal processes who will be announced soon. We Love Markets will be continuing to bring 30+ eclectic stalls to the pedestrian plaza for the next number of weeks which has been very successful since it’s commencement in April. Needless to say, we have been very busy but are very excited to see what the next few months will bring to the town of Bray”.
Bray Town Manager, Lorraine Gallagher, stated: “Wicklow County Council is delighted to see the first phase opening of Bray Central which is greatly welcomed by the elected members, business community and the residents of Bray. I would like to pay tribute to all involved in the project, past and present. Its location on the Main Street will contribute greatly to the retail, hospitality and recreational businesses of the town of Bray and we look forward to welcoming new operators as we move closer to the next phase opening”.