Sunday 23 March 2008

Developers blame Council for delay

Developers of the forthcoming Florentine Centre have insisted that a much-awaited start to the project now lies in the hands of Bray Town Council, who have yet to finalise handing over their portion of the property. While reports suggest that delays have been resolved following the approval last Friday of a compulsory purchase order, construction will not begin until the deal,

Developers of the forthcoming Florentine Centre have insisted that a much-awaited start to the project now lies in the hands of Bray Town Council, who have yet to finalise handing over their portion of the property.

While reports suggest that delays have been resolved following the approval last Friday of a compulsory purchase order, construction will not begin until the deal, the last piece of the puzzle, is complete.

We are ready to go,' claimed Hazel Jones of Ballymore.

Ms. Jones remarked that she was surprised by a resolution at Bray Town Council last week to cease negotiations with developers if work did not begin by the end of April. Bray is now in control of things, not Ballymore,' she said.

The approval from An Bord Pleanála was met last week with tentative enthusiasm from most quarters, with Ballymore stating for the second time in the space of a year that work is expected to begin within weeks.

Parking campaigner Shane Rowan opposes the move. I think that it will do the town more damage than good,' he remarked, referring to the anticipation of disruption for up to two years.

We are finally about to see development commence,' said optimistic Jason Cooke of Bray and District Chamber, adding that there was relief across the business community in Bray that this part of the process was complete.

Cllr. Bríd Collins, Cathaoirleach of Bray Town Council welcomed the news. Ballymore can't delay any further,' she said. There is no reason for further delays now that permission for the CPO has been granted.'

Developers said that detailed designs are finalised and the build phase is out to tender, with the selection of a contractor imminent'.

The Florentine is expected to take just over 18 months to complete and as well as retail space will include 84 homes, a creche, community facility and 549 parking spaces.

Agreements have been signed with three international multiple tenants.

Detailed designs are finalised and the build phase is out to tender and the selection of a contractor is imminent.

'We have always paid tribute to the patience of the business community in Bray who recognised that the planning process had to be completed,' said a spokesman for Bray and District Chamber. Today, we believe that patience has been justified, and we - like everyone in Bray - look forward to the speedy development of the Florentine Centre on this site.'

Bray People

www.buckplanning.ie

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