The largest town in Co. Wicklow, Bray is located in a strategically important position on the principal national route and only 30 minutes from Dublin Airport. With the best transport links in the county, it has access to the N/M11 transportation corridor (including M50), DART/rail line and a quality bus service. The town has a population of 32,600, which is expected to increase to 40,000 by 2028.
Commercial activity
Bray has a well established economic base, comprising a large number of small to medium-sized enterprises, a wide range of commercial activities and an increasing number of ‘high tech’ industries. A range of high-quality business parks and commercial enterprises are located on the Southern Cross Route at the fringe of the town. The town’s competitive advantage is driven by its strategic location, well developed transportation network, and a large and skilled workforce. Bray is also an important centre for film making, based largely on the presence of Ardmore Studios. Wicklow County Council has applied zero planning development contributions to this sector in recognition of the importance of this sector to the Co. Wicklow economy.
Bray forms part of the ‘Bray/Cherrywood/Greystones Core Economic Area’ with the employment catchment of the town extending as far south as Wicklow, Arklow and Gorey. The Fassaroe lands located to the south of the town are identified as the location of major development in Bray and will provide an excellent opportunity for future investment.
Retail
Bray is regarded as the primary retail/commercial and services centre in the county. This vibrant business town offers a retail experience ranging from bespoke shops and family-run businesses to boutiques and specialist food stores. An active Chamber and Town Team works to incentivise job creation as well as improving the general lifestyle for business and residents alike. The proposed development of the Florentine Centre in the heart of the town, comprising 12,800 sqms of development, represents a high value retail project that will serve to rejuvenate and revitalise the town centre.
Leisure and entertainment
Bray is a vibrant town with a wealth of leisure facilities and activities to suit all ages. The town boasts an arts centre, fine hotels, shops, restaurants and evening entertainment. The town is the proud holder of the prestigious international purple flag award. Top attractions include The Mermaid Arts Centre, The National Sealife Centre and nearby Kilruddery House and Gardens. The famous mile-long esplanade, Bray Head and the nearby cliff walk to Greystones provide walkers with unparalleled views of the Irish Sea and the Wicklow Mountains. Large festival events include the award-winning Bray Air Display.
Key assets for economic development and employment
- A sophisticated modern and well-developed town on the doorstep of Dublin
- Easy access to the M50 via the N11/M11, Dublin Airport, Euro Route E01 (N11/M11) from Rosslare to Dublin – Belfast Corridor.
- Well-developed business parks and modern office accommodation – space to grow your business
- Excellent telecommunications and internet infrastructure
- A strong and vibrant retail sector, active Town Team and Chamber of Commerce
- Proximity to universities and third level institutions so employers can expect to recruit from a highly skilled and educated workforce
- Wide range of business supports via the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and the Wicklow County Council Economic Development Unit
- The Wicklow Film Commission supports companies filming in Co. Wicklow
- Wealth of leisure, entertainment and tourism products
- A quality of life that can only be described as unique