The long-postponed Florentine shopping and cinema complex planned for the centre of Bray, Co Wicklow, has moved a stage further following a decision by Bray Town Council to proceed with the design and planning stages of the project.

The €24 million complex will have two retail anchor stores extending to 3,000sq m and 900sq m, four retail units of 700 metres each, four restaurants, a six-screen multiplex cinema and car parking.

Wicklow County Council is planning an open competition to select a partner for the project which is expected to boost trading activities in the town.

The site was previously owned by Ballymore Properties.